Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick October 28, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
Another long week for me... and no reviews posted yet. :-(
I still have some GC emails and payments to complete and books to pull for mailing soon.

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 October 22, 2022 Pick. There was no automatic win last week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS to one winner (under 10 entries):
Random.org picked Winner from October 22, 2022 Pick:
LINDA 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.}

I don't like mice or cobwebs on my books. How about you?
Image found at Pinterest sharing from abbyandjuddlangham.blogspot.com.

New Book Box #96 June 10, 2022

PAIR:
Liz Carlyle: Three Little Secrets and My False Heart
Johanna Lindsey: Brave the Wild Wind and Fires of Winter
SINGLE TITLES
Against the Sky by Kat Martin
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

The Eagle and the Dove by Jane Feather
Heir to a Dark Inheritance by Maisey Yates
The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour
A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli
Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie
No Greater Treasure by Ellen Kelley
One Minute Out by Mark Greaney
Texas Born by Diana Palmer
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Illustrated Classic Edition)
While Others Sleep by Helen R. Myers


New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three One Audio CD Books:
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder


PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,406 books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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, 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 faraway 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!

MBS September 2022 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2022 Reading List - SEPTEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars =  Until Someone Listens, Fear the Sky

1. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl & April Henry; Genre: Crime Fiction, Legal Procedure, Mysteries; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: After the Ending by Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue; Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.75.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Aesop's Fables by Aesop; Genre: Children’s Classics, Classics, Teaching; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
4. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Until Someone Listens by Estela Juarez; Genre: Children’s Audiobook, Latin American; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
5. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Fear the Sky by Stephen Moss; Genre: Fantasy, Hard Science Fiction, Military; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Act of Mercy by Mandy M. Roth; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Shifter, Romance, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free, Book 1, by S.E. Smith; Genre: Children’s Classics, Classics, Teaching; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
8. A2022: Audible Book Review: A Borrowing of Bones, a Mercy Carr Mystery by Paula Munier; Genre: Action and Adventure, Family, Teen and Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
9. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
10. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Science of Sci-Fi by Erin Macdonald; Genre: Nonfiction, Science & Engineering, Science; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
11. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison; Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
12. ATBR: Audible Book Review: One-Eyed Jax by R.A. Savatore; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Total read = 12
TBR = 10
New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 12 (10 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (2 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0 (0 TBR)
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 105 of 125
TBR to Date: 80 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 93 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 13 of 10
Author Reviews: 3 of 12
Nonfiction: 9 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 5 of 12

• Series: 70 of 75 (26 continuing, 44 new)
• New to me Series: 44 (13 Yes to continue; 15 likely to continue, 14 maybe, 3 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 3

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 3 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer

• Alphabet letters covered: AUDIO SERIES: 4 Jan, 2 Feb, 7 March, 3 April, 4 May, 2 June, 0 July, 1 August, 1 September, (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Z) (24 of 26)   
Remaining: X, Y

• Alphabet letters covered: MIXED MEDIA (focus on stand alones but can be series): 2 Jan, 6 Feb, 3 March, 7 April, 3 May, 2 June; 1 July, 0 August, 0 September (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, Y, Z) (24 of 26)
Remaining: V, X

Sunday Post October 23, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24 2022

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

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

I had another busy week. A little calmer but I got my flu shot Wednesday and either due to that or the cold weather that blew through, I spent the next two days working through a cold fog.

My post is ready early today as I am looking forward to a dinner visit tonight with my step mother (from South Florida) with her friend, and my (2nd) brother (from California) with his friend. Plus my daughter and granddaughters.

Here is a picture of our ribbon cutting at the Re-opening.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

I was surprised to hear some of the blog folks had snow during the week. {brrrr}
I was cold enough at our temps which dropped to 38 one night. We'll be back to 70-80s during the day and a low of 49 during the nights..

This week I enjoyed six audios for #Fraterfest. I posted four reviews at the end of the week and my regular Memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to BOOKSHELF JOURNEYS. I relate to Terrie with varied reading and her claim, "I'm one of those people who always has a book nearby...I read at mealtimes, while waiting in line or at the doctor's, before bed, and sometimes even while stuck in traffic!"  Check out her blog and her helpful reading lists.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were the posts last week:

• Sunday Post October 16, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 17, 2022.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick October 21, 2022 Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ending 10/27/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Science of Sci-Fi by Erin Macdonald; Genre: Nonfiction, Science & Engineering, Science; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison; Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: One-Eyed Jax by R.A. Savatore; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2022 - Imitate God.
  

Finished Reading:
I read all week for #FRATERFEST and finished six audiobooks:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Ghostly Undertaking
Author Tonya Kappes
Narrator: Tiffany Morgan
Duration: 5 h 39 min
This is a light, fun cozy mystery.
Source: 12/12/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Werewolf's 15 Minutes
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter, Dina Pearlman
Series: Audible Original Stories
Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
This is a perfect fit for #Fraterfest.
10/27-30/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Night Shift Witch
Written by Cate Lawley
Narrated by April Doty
Length 3h 32m
This is another light cozy mystery that starts in a funeral home.
Source: October 27th, 2021 Chirp $0.99
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Dark of Night
A Joe Ledger Novella
By: Jonathan Maberry, Rachael Lavin
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Dead of Night, Book 2.5, Joe Ledger, Book 8.5
Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
This is a good zombie survivors story that can be read outside of the series.
Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
The dead rose. We fell.
The survivors are trapped in a world of monsters who prey on the helpless. Some of them are zombies...but they are not the only predators who feed on pain and suffering.
Dark of Night is a story of worlds in collision. Three heroes who have survived the apocalypse are in a deadly race to save a busload of children from ravenous zombies and ruthless human scavengers.
This brand new novella brings together three of New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry's award-winning series. Captain Joe Ledger (Patient Zero and Code Zero), Officer Desdemona Fox (Dead of Night and Fall of Night), and Rachael Elle (Bits & Pieces) are caught between an endless wave of the living dead and an army of corrupt men who want to enslave the last human survivors.
©2016 Jonathan Maberry and Rachael Lavin (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers Books 1-3 Series Boxed Set
Written by Angela Pepper
Narrated by John Pirhalla
Run Time 10h 35min
I read Book 1 of this threesome.
Source: 9/11/2021 Chirp Purchase $.99
BOOK 1: Eli Carter is a smart (yet strange) guy trapped in a dead-end career. When he meets smooth-talking Khan Hart, a self-proclaimed necromancer, he's given the opportunity to become a hero. As soon as he takes the job working for Ghost Hackers, Eli's life takes a turn for the paranormal. For starters, something under his bed is trying to kill him. Now Eli must team up with Khan, face down his fears, and kick the butt of one very strange ghost.

6. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Skeleton in the Family
By Author Leigh Perry
Narrator: Katina Kalin
Duration: 7 h 57 min
This is fun cozy with a skeleton as the protagonists side-kick.
12/31/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary:
Most families have skeletons in their closets … Moving back into her parents’ house with her teenage daughter had not been Georgia Thackery’s “Plan A.” But when she got a job at the local college, it seemed the sensible thing to do. So she settled in and began reconnecting with old friends. Including Sid. Sid is the Thackery family’s skeleton. He’s lived in the house as long as Georgia can remember, although no one, including Sid, knows exactly where he came from and how he came to be a skeleton. Sid walks, he talks, he makes bad jokes, he tries to keep Georgia’s dog from considering him a snack. And he manages to persuade Georgia to let him leave the house. But when she takes him to an anime convention—disguised as a skeleton, of course—he sees a woman who triggers memories of his past. Now he is determined to find out how he died—with Georgia’s help. But their investigation may uncover a killer who’s still alive and well and bad to the bone …

Currently Reading:
I was confused and thinking #Fraterfest stopped Saturday night - but I have two more days!

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What Lurks Beneath [Dramatized Adaptation]
Written by Ryan Lockwood
Narrated by Collected Narrators
This is a fully dramatized horror story.
I am looking forward to the adventure.
Source: October 27th, 2021 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Publisher Description
A new breed of terror that rises from the depths of the ocean. To hunt. To devour. To kill.
The first attack occurs in the underwater caverns of the Bahamas. Two professional divers exploring the unknown. A monstrous flesh-ripping predator they never see coming.
Now the attacks are coming closer and closer to shore. A sun-soaked playground for sea-loving tourists. A human feasting ground for whatever lurks beneath.
Now, in a desperate race against time, Eric Watson, an expert on remote control underwater vehicles, and marine biologist Valerie Martell, must identify a savage new species of killer—and piece together one of nature’s most horrific mysteries. But the most terrifying discovery of all waits for Val and her team at the bottom of the sea. A discovery too shocking, to comprehend.
Because up till now, this creature existed only in mankind’s darkest nightmares. Not anymore.

If I have time I will do one more shorter title for #Fraterfest.
Once #Fraterfest is over, I will continue with October reads: mystery, dark or horror.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Warded Man
Written By: Peter V. Brett
Narrated By: Peter Bradbury
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: December 2009
Duration: 18 hours 16 minutes
I've chosen a longer audio since I am ahead on my GR challenge (and behind on posting reviews).
Source: 10/16/19 Audiobook.com VIP.
Summary:
Peter V. Brett has won accolades from critics, fans and fellow authors alike for this riveting debut novel. The Warded Man features a world where demons stalk the night, hunting humans who have long forgotten the magic of their ancestors. But all is not lost, as some hold out hope that a savior will release humanity from the demons' terrifying reign. 'Brilliant, with action and suspense all the way.' -Terry Brooks

This is a long choice so I may only get one this week.

October 23, 2022 - I am up to date again. I get excited watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.
No new study this past week.

I read six audio titles and reviewed four so I made progress but still need to review: 11 books (plus 7 children's books). I keep working on these. :-)

NETGALLEY STATUS--
Back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author reviews in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review titles this week.
I picked my two September Audible Credits.
Then I found three Audible Plus titles.
One free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

I'm expecting a gift card for a win at #Fraterfest Twitter pop-up post. Thanks Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer.

Purchased

10/17/22 Audible September Credits - two in series to continue:

Etched in Bone
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins

Captain's Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 5
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Free

10/19/2022 Audible Plus Catalog (future Fraterfest material).

The Nothing Man
By: Catherine Ryan Howard

The Lesser Dead
By: Christopher Buehlman

Tales of Terror
By: Edgar Allan Poe


One Free Kindle Title:

Displaced
Stephen Drake



One new title added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2022 - Imitate God

I had some car troubles - my Prius needs a new auxiliary battery. I thought it was the key fob battery which also needed to be replaced, but it was more. My daughter left her car but it was running rough and hot. So I could have taken hubby's jeep this morning but it triggered grief so I stayed home and did church online. I am so grateful it is available online!

Pastor's message was based on Ephesians 4 and 5 - Imitate God.
We are created beings who are to reflect and be imitators of God’s nature. But the sinful nature causes us to fall short. It is not always good to imitate our earthly parents, siblings, or heroes. But when we love our parent, siblings, or heroes, we may imitate them. If we love God, we should want to imitate Him.

God hasn’t “asked” us to do things. We need to recognize that He directs or commands us to do things!
Do we look different than others in this world? We must not imitate the world, but imitate God. Ephesians 4:17-23.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The world knows that what we behold, or focus on, is what we become. So be careful what you dwell on.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8.

Put off falsehoods, anger, stealing, unwholesome speech. Ephesians 4:25-28.
We need to be in the Word and prayer everyday so God can continually clean our hearts.
Be an honest contributor rather than only a consumer. V 28
Build up others with encouragement. V 29
Do not grieve the Spirit. V 30
Get rid of bitterness and every form of malice. V 31
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” V 32.

Spiritual gifts and position are not God’s stamp on character! Don’t imitate the man of God. Imitate Christ so others can see Christ in you.

The way we live ought to be worship to the Lord. Christ sacrificed Himself for us. Ephesians 5:2.
We should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice as proper worship to God. Romans 12:1-2.

I went to my 38 pages of lists of songs… Then I found this one online and just went “wow!”
So Will I and Do it Again.

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you help me to imitate Christ in my life.

Audible Book Review: One-Eyed Jax by R.A. Savatore

I enjoyed this short story with drows, dwarves, and elves facing the mystery of a 'sea monster'.

One-Eyed Jax: A Forgotten Realms Adventure
(Legend of Drizzt Series)
by R.A. Salvatore
Narrated by: Victor Bevine

Series: Legend of Drizzt
Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 06-03-21
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Conflicts will be decided with fisticuffs, card games will be played for the highest of stakes, and swords will be flashed in this rollicking Dungeons & Dragons adventure from New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore.
Maintaining stability in a city full of pirates is a delicate balancing act, particularly when one is motivated by making sure the common folk are taken care of instead of simple personal greed. Jarlaxle and his band of rogues known as Bregan D'aerthe are doing their best, stabilizing the city after warding off a terrible attack by demonic and gnoll forces.
But now three merchant ships have been destroyed and sent to the ocean floor - obliterated in such a quick and brutal manner that it makes little sense it’s pirates seeking plunder. Something is out there on or under the cold dark waters of the Sword Coast, and it threatens the trade Jarlaxle will need to bring prosperity to Luskan.
Fortunately, Jarlaxle has powerful and clever allies he can call upon to help him solve the riddle. But will they do it in time? And even if it's solved, can the perpetrator be defeated?

Review:
Jarlzxle is a drow mercenary leading a band of rogues. When three merchant ships are destroyed and disappear in the ocean there is concern regarding more than pirates. And the only witness had described a creature that no one believes exist.

Jarlaxle, or One-Eyed Jax, pulls together a group of warriors to take on the pirates … or dragon as the case may be. They each have interesting talents and usually need the right incentive, bribe or threat, to join the team. I really love the creativity of this author.

This is a short listen that includes characters from the other works of Salvatore. I have only read one or two others, but this was still a masterful short story that didn’t require knowing all the characters. Readers who like stories of drows, dwarfs and elves should enjoy this story.

Audio Notes: Victor Bevine does a fine job with the narration. He gives the characters distinct voices and brogues that add to the entertainment value of the story.

Source: 6/10/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.