Sunday Post December 17, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 18, 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.

Because of the work in our office my husband and I postponed our travel plans by a week. We agreed it would be best if I stay this week to help our daughter with the extra closings, including her own. I haven't been home before 8pm except Friday night for our granddaughter's birthday party. I get home and am pretty wiped so I have still been struggling to get reviews done.
I have been thinking about and planning challenges for 2018 as you will see below by the books I picked up.
Our weather was 30-65s last week but expected to warm up to 45-70s this week.

I enjoyed my listening and reading. I finished 3 books for the week: one Audible and two ebooks. I posted three reviews plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited only 22 blogs early in the week.
Shout out this week to Top Shelf Text who shared some great holiday gift ideas in the linked post.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 10, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 11, 2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black; Action and Adventure, Religious, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 15, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/21/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Defining Diana by Hayden Trenholm; Cyberpunk, Mystery, Police Procedure, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• eAuthor- Book Review: Kristian's War by Peter Wisan; Religious, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #333 Comment Giveaway December 16, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/30/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 17, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Sugar Pine Trail: A Small-Town Christmas Romance (Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
This has fun characters and a fun romance.
Received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1
By: Molly Harper
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1
I wanted something light and this has been on my Audible shelf since 2012.
This was a quick listen with the usual fun Molly Harper snark.
Publisher's Summary
Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.
Jane is now the latest recipient of a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, and her life-after-lifestyle is taking some getting used to. Her recently deceased favorite aunt is now her ghostly roommate. She has to fake breathing and endure daytime hours to avoid coming out of the coffin to her family. She's forced to forgo her favorite down-home Southern cooking for bags of O negative. Her relationship with her sexy, mercurial vampire sire keeps running hot and cold. And if all that wasn't enough, it looks like someone in Half Moon Hollow is trying to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a nice undead girl to do?
Love in vein: bite into more of Jane Jameson's paranormal exploits.
©2009 Molly Harper White (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Rancher's Christmas Song 
(The Cowboys of Cold Creek)
by RaeAnne Thayne
This is another charming Thayne Christmas romance.
Received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/CD

About a Dog
By: Jenn McKinlay
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Series: Bluff Point Romances, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
I am still listening in the car with two CDs left to go.
I received this CD audiobook from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print/Ladies Book Club

The Christmas Code Booklet
by O. S. Hawkin
I am still enjoying this Advent reading for December.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Saving Grace
By: Lee Smith
Narrated by: Christina Moore
This is another Audible TBR from 2010.
This is an unusual listen and I am interested to see where it goes.
Publisher's Summary
Having justly earned her reputation as a master storyteller, Lee Smith's name evokes images of authentic country folk struggling through some of life's most arduous tests. Saving Grace adds a stunning spiritual dimension. The daughter of a snake-handling preacher who ignores the needs of his destitute family, Florida Grace doesn't think much of Jesus. He's the reason she's lived in squalor most of her life. He certainly doesn't keep her womanizing zealot of a father on the straight and narrow. In fact, Jesus hasn't been there for her through her failed marriage, or the death of her son. But in one shining moment everything changes when He calls out to her, and she returns to her roots to heed His call.
Narrator Christina Moore gives perfect voice to the vulnerability and wisdom of a young woman on a turbulent spiritual journey.
©1995 Lee Smith; (P)2003 Recorded Books

4. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Coiled
by H. L. Burke
I am already enjoying this 'fairytale' story.
Received from NetGalley.
A healing touch. A hideous face. A looming curse.
As the ugly twin to a perfect sister, Princess Laidra lives her life in the shadows—until her parents offer her as bait for a giant serpent.
Her escape attempt leaves her shipwrecked on a secluded island with only one inhabitant: Prince Calen, who lives under a curse. If anyone looks upon him, he turns into a giant serpent. Speaking to him in the darkness, Laidra sees past the monster to Calen’s lonely soul, and she determines to free him from the magic’s hold.
But if Laidra can’t break the curse in time, Calen will become a mindless creature of scales and fangs forever.
A YA mythology/romance that retells the myth of Eros and Psyche with adventure, magic, and true love.

December 17, 2017 - I am half a day ahead and enjoying the last weeks of reading in the One Year Bible. I have been 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 3 books and posted 3 reviews. I still have 8 reviews pending - Maybe I'll have some time this week to double up reviews. 
I am three weeks (sigh) behind linking my reviews at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf WAS down to 6 but went on a spree in preparation of the New Year and TBR reading for 2018. I now have 21. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie.

We're working on two more fiction books soon to add to 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 went on a NetGalley and Audible binge to prepare for challenges in 2018 (Alphabet, NetGalley and TBR).
I picked up 15 new titles through NetGalley "Read Now".
I bought two Audible daily deals, selected two credit titles, five titles on sale and one free title.
I did not purchase any Kindles this week.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (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

The After War by Brandon Zenner (Sci Fi/Dystopian)
Consent of the Governed by Bernard LoPinto (Sci Fi/Dystopian)
The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert (Mystery/Woman Sleuth)
The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan (Mystery/Thriller Psychological)
Fade to Black by David Rosenfelt (Mystery/Thriller)

A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman (Mystery/Historical)
The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner (Sci Fi/Colonization)
In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin (Mystery/Noir)
Let There Be Light by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo (Christian/Romance)
Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann (Christian/Holidays)

Queendom of the Seven Lakes by A B Endacott (Fantasy/Historical)
Talon by Amanda Greenslade (Fantasy/Word & Sorcery)
The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman (Mystery/Thriller Police Procedure)
What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? By Jay Payleitner (Christian Living)
The Year of the Knife by G.D. Penman (Sci Fi)

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/13 Daily Deal $2.95
The Fountains of Paradise
By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Marc Vietor
Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 08-25-09

12/16 Daily Deal $.99 since I already had the Kindle version.
The Phantom of the Opera
By: Gaston Leroux
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 12-06-04

12/14 Two November Credit Selects:
Xenos: Warhammer 40,000
By: Dan Abnett
Narrator: Toby Longworth
Duration: 9 hrs and 55 mins

The Last Colony
By: John Scalzi
Narrator: William Dufris
Duration: 9 hrs and 51 mins

12/14 Five Audibles On Sale (half price)
X-Files: Cold Cases 1 $.88
By: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs
Narrator: Gianni Bersanetti, Claudia Catani
Duration: 1 hr and 13 mins

Leader of the Pack $9.74
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Duration: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5  $6.99
By: Michael Stephen Fuchs
Narrator: R. C. Bray
Duration: 5 hrs and 50 mins

X Minus One: A Gun for Dinosaur (March 7, 1956) $.95
By: L. Sprague de Camp, Ernest Kinoy - adaptation
Narrator: Fred Collins
Duration: 29 mins

For We Are Many  $9.97
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrator: Ray Porter
Duration: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Free

Free at Audible:
The Earliest Signs of Brain Damage? Just Listen
By: Lawrence K. Altman, M.D.
Narrator: Kristi Burns
Duration: 7 mins

I also added another 52 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 December 17, 2017

This morning in Sunday School we watched a comedy video introduction to Mary Did You Know and then a more recent rendition of the song.

Pastor started a new sermon series this morning called Hope is Born before we shared communion.

This morning the message was about The Promise given and kept. We know from our human experiences that promises aren't always kept. Satan has managed to destroy the hope of many by promoting broken promises.

We must learn that hope does not come from any humans in our lives. The true source of hope is God's gift. God is always working, and Jesus is the promise that has never been broken. “For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37.

Point: Jesus is the source of Hope for the future. He is the promise that will never be broken.

Our God is the God of the impossible giving the immaculate conception of Jesus by the virgin Mary and the miraculous conception of John by an elderly Elizabeth. Luke 1:26-38. Matthew 1:19-21.

How often do we turn down the challenge of God? Joseph was prepared to quietly set Mary aside until God challenged him to proceed to marry her.

What if we gave God permission to do the impossible in our lives? Pastor compared trusting God to trusting a parachute when skydiving. There are life situations where there is no other answer but God.

Elizabeth stated to Mary: ‘You are blessed because you believed the promise of the Lord.’ Luke 1:39-45.

Jesus the Messiah fulfilled the promise of salvation by dying on the cross. Jesus was sent to die for each of us. He came to earth as a baby to be God with us and in us. He was born to be broken, as should we be.

Do you trust the promise? Then surrender your life in this realm to achieve the second level of His promise: eternal life. Hold on to the promise of Christ; this will give you hope for every day.

I had several songs of promise and chose two to share.

First is Precious Promise

And this wonderfully illustrated song: Who Would Have Dreamed?

Verses for Today:
Luke 1:37 and 45
NIV 37 “For no word from God will ever fail.”
NASB 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

NIV 45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”


Lord, I thank you for the Promise that was given in the birth of Jesus and fulfilled by His death on the cross.

Sharing Beyond Books #333 Comment Giveaway December 16, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! Since many of us will be busy celebrating the holidays with friends and family, there will be no SBB on 12/23. The next SBB post will be 12/30.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Ten of us leave the jacket covers on a hardback and are apt to use it as a bookmark. Four definitely remove the jacket and two remove them sometimes.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #332 comments is: #12 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #333

(One Question.)

Miki asks: What do you think of "book" pillow in the sense of pillow/cushion with a quote or a bookish design. do you like it? do you have one? or do you prefer other decorative kind?

I like the idea of "book" pillows with a quote although I don't have any. While looking for an image I saw several pillow to hold books and some with a pocket to put a book in.
I do have a very sweet, decorative pillow that says "Grandma does the heart good" which was a gift from my granddaughter. When I was young I had a large bed wedge pillow that was good to sit up with for reading.

Image found at Memories In Thread..

I like this book.cat image found at eBay.

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. Miki asks: What do you think of "book" pillow in the sense of pillow/cushion with a quote or a bookish design. do you like it? do you have one? or do you prefer other decorative kind?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 December 30, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Kristian's War by Peter Wisan

I liked this post-apocalyptic, Biblical allegory.
Kristian's War (The Searcher Series Book 1)
by Peter Wisan

File Size: 428 KB
Print Length: 202 pages
Publication Date: August 21, 2017
ASIN: B072TRNKHW
Genre: Religious, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Kristian Anders, a dirt-poor farmer, lives in a land where evil forces take the form of men. The sins of his past weigh heavily on his mind. When a stranger directs him to take a new path, Kristian begins the journey of a lifetime towards a distant King who is rumored to solve all problems. But then a ruthless soldier is dispatched by the ruler of the dark land to capture or kill Kristian. Everything leads to one final fight, where Kristian must defeat the demons of his past or die.

Marine Corps veteran Peter Wisan delivers a gripping, tactical take on the spiritual journey in a blend of heart-stopping action and heart-rending loss. Order a copy now…if you have what it takes to join, KRISTIAN’S WAR.

Review:
Kristian lives with his estranged and injured wife, Christi. Christi is in wheelchair, is very bitter and blames Kristian for her condition. The society they live in is restrictive and evil. A neighbor, John Dappler, who is always looking at a new health fad runs, through his farm and hands Kristian a wrapped book that he must hide. John is captured by Sergeant Major Shame and sentenced to death.

Shortly after the execution, an imposing stranger approaches Kris and offers to show him how to reach a distant King who can bring peace and love back to his live. Although it is forbidden to go beyond their home territory, Kristian decides to take the risk to make the dangerous journey to find the King. Evan tells Kristian that he will meet up with him soon, but that Kristian must stay on the straight path even when things or people try to knock him off.

Kristian sets off from Comfort County to the Land of Genuine Experience with a friend who does not last. Along the way, Kristian comes upon forks in the road and faces obstacles such as Discourage, Staff Sergeant Past and others. He also gets help from Grace, Pastor and his daughters, Hope and Faith. The journey is full of danger as Staff Sergeant Past pursues him relentlessly.

While Kristian struggles along his journey the author shares manipulation that is influencing his wife Christi at home. About 75% in the author reveals the events that crippled Christi.

As I began to recognize the allegory this story made me think of Pilgrim’s Progress. Here there is a realistic military force and battle that Kristian must escape. The story line and action moved the story along at a quick pace. I found this entertaining and I found myself shaking my head and smiling at different stages. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a Biblical allegory.

I received this title from the author through a Goodreads ARC group. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Audible Book Review: Defining Diana by Hayden Trenholm

This is an intriguing sci fi, gene-based, mystery.

Defining Diana
By: Hayden Trenholm
Narrated by: Art Carlson
Series: Steele Chronicles, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-14-11
Language: English
Publisher: Iambik Audio Inc
Genre: Cyberpunk, Mystery, Police Procedure, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
"Found naked and alone in a locked room. The beautiful woman was in perfect health - except she was dead... It's 2043 and much has changed: nuclear war, biotechnology and all-powerful corporations have ruled the world....
Now science is taking DNA manipulation to new, unrestricted levels. Superintendent Frank Steele is an old-fashioned cop. He commands a small, elite police unit that is handed all of the bizarre and baffling cases no one else can solve. He knows the money, the murders, missing persons and gruesome body shops are all connected. He knows it starts with the girl....
©2008 Hayden Trenholm (P)2011 Iambik Audio Inc

Review:
Frank Steele is an old-fashioned, alcoholic cop who struggles somewhat in a technically enhanced world in 2043 where biotech cyborgs and humans are as likely to face off as to work together. Frank commands an elite Calgary police team, the Special Detection Unit (SDU). The SDU is assigned to solve cases that baffle everyone else. The team consists of his second, a strong female detective who is distracted by the recent betrayal and abandonment of her husband, a young detective who has chosen to become part biotech and a brash detective who is brutal and psychotic outside of the team. There is also a forensic specialist who has been assigned to them for this latest bizarre case.

The case involves the body of a beautiful young woman who is found dead, naked in a room locked from within. There is no apparent wound or cause of death, nor any means to identify the woman. The team must figure out who she is and how and why she died. Additional murders and missing people provide clues to political involvement and connections with gruesome body shops where the bio techs are either implanting or extracting parts…or both.

The team presses into the investigation but it seems the killer is always one step ahead as though he or she is getting tipped off from a mole within the SDU. This sets the team members eyeing each other with suspicion. If Frank can figure out how all of the pieces connect to the dead woman he is sure he can figure out the rest of the mystery. But just as the team is getting closer to the truth, Frank’s superior disbands the SDU and pulls everyone off the case. Obviously they were stepping on toes and Frank isn’t exactly one to walk away.

This is a wonderfully intriguing mystery told in first person from the primary detective's perspective. There is some language and some gruesome violence that fits a gritty police procedure noir story. The team characters are extremely flawed and purposefully stereotyped. The mystery is well plotted and I like the combination of the crime procedure and cyberpunk elements. I recommend this to those who enjoy noir mystery fiction.

Audio Notes: Art Carlson provided an interesting narration. He doesn’t really provide multiple voice accents but his ‘reading’ seemed to fit the noir style of the story. I suggest anyone interested in the story listen to the sample to determine how they feel about the narration. I found it appropriate and not detracting from the story.

This Sci Fi Mystery is from my TBR shelf; added in 9/2012. This qualifies for my Mount TBR and Audio Challenges.

I realized as I was listening to this that something was familiar. I listened to book 2 in the Steele Chronicles series in 2012.
Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 15, 2017

Happy Friday!
I haven't left work before 8pm everyday this week so far and I am very tired when I get home. Our weather has been cold - for us.

I am back to two random winners. Again, I am sorry I haven't gotten that last box listed yet. I don't think I will get to that until my Christmas break time.

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 December 8 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 no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 8 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets Rebellious Desires;
MARJORIE 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.}

Right now I would like a warm fireplace and warm sock boots!
Image found at 4 The Love of Evan.

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017 (37 titles)
24 in the top picture and 13 in the lower picture. Not sure that you can read the titles so I will try to list these soon.

Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires


New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

SINGLES:
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
Daring
Named of the Dragon
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Painted House (audio)

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

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-- All Gone

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 -- All Gone

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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,130+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

Audible Book Review: Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black

This is an engaging Christian story full of strong action.
Cloak of the Light
Wars of the Realm, Book 1
By: Chuck Black
Narrated by: Michael Orenstein, Katie Leigh

Series: Wars of the Realm, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-21-16
Language: English
Publisher: christianaudio.com
Genre: Action and Adventure, Religious, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Drew is caught in a world of light - just inches away from the dark.
What if...there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? What if...our world wasn't beyond their influence?
Tragedy and heartache seem to be waiting for Drew Carter at every turn, but college offers Drew a chance to start over - until an accident during a physics experiment leaves him blind and his genius friend, Benjamin Berg, missing.
As his sight miraculously returns, Drew discovers that the accident has heightened his neuron activity, giving him skills and sight beyond the normal man. When he begins to observe fierce invaders that no one else can see, he questions his own sanity, and so do others. But is he insane or do the invaders truly exist?
With help from Sydney Carlyle, a mysterious and elusive girl who offers encouragement through her faith, Drew searches for his missing friend, Ben, who seems to hold the key to unlocking this mystery. As the dark invaders close in, will he find the truth in time?
©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

Review:
Drew has had no church or religious training but he received a sense of honor through the military commitment of his father. Drew was 12 when his father died. His father’s best friend, Jake, became Drew’s mentor, training him in the arts of defense and other skills of the special services.

Drew’s mother has to move them to a new place and new high school. He befriends a science geek, Ben, in spite of opposition by some bullies. He also strikes up a tentative friendship with a reclusive, minister’s daughter, Sydney. A careless moment of high school fun leads to tragedy and Drew feels that he carries a dark cloud wherever he goes.

Drew is trying to move on in college when his friend Ben drags him into his professor’s lab to show him ‘shadow people”. Drew sees the dark man through Ben’s experiment but the lab blows up leaving Drew unconscious and Ben gone. Drew wakes in the hospital to discover his hearing and other senses are heightened but he has lost his sight. Initially Drew withdraws into his dark cloud even as Sydney and Jake try to encourage him. Surprisingly Drew’s sight returns and Drew discovers that he can see beings beyond the normal person’s sight. Although Drew finds himself in the midst of battles he doesn’t realize what he really is seeing.are not aliens but demons and angels.

I really enjoyed the engaging story and the perspective from a character who didn’t know what he was seeing. The writing moved well with plenty of action. I am definitely looking forward to more in this series.

Audio Notes: Michael Orenstein and Katie Leigh do a good job with narration. The male voice is more prevalent and he manages to convey the story from the view of a teenager. Ms. Leigh also adds to the performance with strong accents for the female characters. I enjoyed the background sounds and music of the performance although it took a little getting used to. It made the story come even more alive.

I have book two through NetGalley so I decided to listen to book one. (Audible credit purchase in May, 2017.) This qualifies for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Sunday Post December 10, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 11, 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.

We have double the number of closings set this month which is a mixed blessing. We have had to spend time training new staff so I have had such a busy week. I am scrambling to keep up hoping to prepare before Christmas break.
We were busy at home too as Hubby had an unexpected medical exam Friday (results were fine) and unexpected problems with our second house needing a heater repair before the freezing weather last night.
I am behind on reviews and it is time to start planning challenges for 2018 if I can fit that in.

I enjoyed my listening and reading. I finished 3 books for the week: two Audibles and one print. I posted three reviews plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited only 25 blogs early in the week.
Shout out this week to Just Another Girl and Her Books who is hosting a fun Christmas Challenge.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 3, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 4, 2017.

• MBS November 2017 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Review: Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos; Military Space Opera, Sci Fi; my rating 3.75.

• eNG- Book Review: Welcome to Outcast Station by Jeanne Adams, Nancy Northcott; Colonization, Mystery, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 8, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/14/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Bobiverse by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #332 Comment Giveaway December 9, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/16/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 10, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

A State of Treason
By: David Thomas Roberts
Narrated by: Charles Craig
Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
I enjoyed this entertaining story of a state at odds with a corrupt Federal government.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print/Ladies Book Club

The Vision and Beyond
by David Wilkerson
This was written in the 70's but speaks of current
and still to come events.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

Western Christmas Weddings
3 Western Novellas
By: Jenna Kernan
Narrated by: Cody Roberts
Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
These are three charming Christmas romances.
This is a newer title from my Audible shelf.
Publisher's Summary
Three western audiobook novellas of Christmas brides engaged in holiday romance!
"The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" - On the run for a crime she didn't commit, Eliza Flannery escapes apprehension by posing as the new housekeeper of a stranger, only to discover afterwards, that he is the town's sheriff! Now she needs to create a Christmas celebration for his young daughter, but when the real housekeeper appears, will Eliza find the forgiveness of the season, or spend Christmas in jail?
"His Brother's Bride" - Only a cold woman would marry a man she's never met, even if it was her husband's last request. But with her daughter to care for, Clara Justice agrees to marry the family's black sheep and be Nate's wife, but she's not opening her heart, not even if it is Christmas.
"Fallen Angel" - When Ford Statler accidentally shoots a young widow who is cutting a Christmas tree for her little boy, Abby March falls under his care and protection. Now he's got more than he bargained for, making a Christmas to remember for a widow and her young son. But will she let him offer her so much more?
©2017 Jeannette H. Monaco (P)2017 Jeannette H. Monaco

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Sugar Pine Trail: A Small-Town Christmas Romance (Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
I'm 70% along and enjoying this.
Received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/CD

About a Dog
By: Jenn McKinlay
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Series: Bluff Point Romances, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
This is another romance I am enjoying. A little slower listening as I am listening in the car.
I received this CD audiobook from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Rancher's Christmas Song 
(The Cowboys of Cold Creek)
by RaeAnne Thayne
I will start this Christmas read this week.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Print/Ladies Book Club

The Christmas Code Booklet
by O. S. Hawkin
I am enjoying this Advent reading for December.
Click on book title for full description.

December 10, 2017 - I am up to date in the One Year Bible reading. I have been 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 3 books and posted 3 reviews. I am now at 8 reviews pending - I hope I get time for these this week. 
I am two weeks behind linking my reviews at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 7; 5 more for this year and 2 for 2018. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie.

We're working on two more fiction books soon to add to 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 didn't pick up any reviews this week.
I bought one Audible daily deal and got one Audible free gift.
I bought five Kindle titles at $.99.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/7/17 Daily Deal $1.95
Jacob T. Marley
By: R. William Bennett
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 05-30-13

I capitulated and bought five Kindle titles for $.99 each (after all, I'd rather buy books than spend $5.00 for a fast food lunch any day):

Free

Author newsletter notified me of this freebee today:

Gather ‘Round the Sound

Holiday Stories from Beloved Authors and Great Performers Across the Globe

By: Paulo Coelho, Yvonne Morrison, Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Angele Masters, Daniel Frances Berenson, Magda Szubanski, Simon Callow, Dan Starkey, John Banks, Vern

Length: 1 hr and 12 mins

Release date: 12-08-17

I also added another 53 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.