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Friday, December 31, 2021

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 31, 2021

Happy Friday! 1 day until 2022!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

Is everyone ready for

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 24, 2021 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 were no titles blocked last week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 24, 2021 Pick:
Marjorie gets a GC
AND
SUEF gets Web of Evil

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.}
Pig in red hat reading book on bookshelf with lettering `Happy New Year`.
Happy New Year --- WITH Books!
Image found at Dreamstine.com.

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
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)
Three Audio CD Books:
Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson


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
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

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

Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
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
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

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

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky

Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue



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:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls

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

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
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
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
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
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind
New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018
Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
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.
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
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
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
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
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 1,387 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, TWRP, 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!

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Audio Book Review: The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

This is a fun story of an unexpected 'hero' in a covert agency hunting mysteries and monsters.
The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery

Atrocity Archives, Charles Stross

Series: Laundry Files #1
Duration: 11 h 1 min
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Monsters, Paranormal
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.


Summary:
A Hugo Award winner and best-selling author, Charles Stross combines the best elements of science fiction and fantasy. In The Atrocity Archives, a lowly computer geek working for a secret British intelligence agency gets promoted to field service after accidentally saving lives in a disaster. Now he's faced with saving the universe using only his smarts and a disembodied hand that renders him invisible. Stross' award-winning novella, The Concrete Jungle, is also included.


Review:
Bob Howard is a low-level computer geek at a covert government agency. He has plenty to handle in his paperwork and data recovery, and although he might like more challenges, he doesn’t plan on being heroic. Then he manages to get noticed by taking right action at the right time. Although his immediate supervisors aren’t happy with him, another department head thinks he has potential for “active duty”. They commandeer him for a different job to gain information about a British Citizen, Mo, who is ‘trapped’ in California. Things go awry but again, Bob helps the mission succeed.

On one trip he is sent into the archival library where he finds history of monsters and unspeakable horrors. He and Mo are sent out to lure in a suspected killer. They all get more than they bargained for in a very strange world of monsters. And of course, when he is pulled even further into the covert operations, his coworkers become even more angered.

The story starts a little slowly and it took some attention to follow the story line. Bob is a likeable, if nerdish guy. His difficult relationships with his coworkers are amusing. The atrocity archives are truly awful. I like the mystery and monster hunting, so I enjoyed that part of the story, with aliens/demons as it progressed.

There is a second short story, The Concrete Jungle, that continues the action and some crazy monster mess. I’ll keep this series in mind but won’t be rushing to get the next books. Fantasy fans who like monster hunting and a bit of zany might want to check this out.

Audio Notes: Gideon Emery does a nice job with the narration. Gideon captures the lackadaisicalness side of Bob’s character. The audio enhanced this book for me.

Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goal.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Audible Book Review: Every Day in December by Kitty Wilson

This has a bit of drama but it is a very nice romance for two injured souls.
Every Day in December
By: Kitty Wilson
Narrated by: Katy Sobey, Joe Jameson

Every Day in December  By  cover art


Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-20-21
Publisher: One More Chapter
Genre: Christmas, Holiday, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.


Publisher's Summary
Two people. One month to fall in love.
Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job, and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.
Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.
But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle, could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?
©2021 Kitty Wilson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited


Review:
Belle loves December and Christmas. She may have to struggle this season as she lost her job. She is fortunate when she lands two jobs that she enjoys even though she knows her family will still mock her efforts to make her own way.

Rory doesn’t like Christmas as it reminds him of great loss in his life. And that loss occurred in his hometown so he has avoided visiting. Now he has returned as his mother is facing health issues.

Rory is pleased to bump into a former college friend, Belle, and he finds himself wanting to help her find positive support. Belle is surprised when Rory begins to give her a friendly ear and moral support. She decides to become his Christmas elf to show him the joy of the holiday.

Belle has sworn off men after a history of choosing the wrong type of men. Rory is expected to return to his life overseas so neither plans on developing a relationship. Yet, Belle and Rory are distinct characters who find common friendship that is growing on them.

In spite of true to life personal issues and drama in this book, (which are elements I tend to avoid), Ms. Wilson has created characters that I could and did root for. It isn’t an easy or quick romance, but it is satisfying in delivering Christmas magic. I recommend this as a lovely Christmas romance.

Audio Notes: Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson do a fine job of narrating this in the alternating voices. They both made the characters more alive and engaging. I am very glad I listened to this.

Source: 11/30/2021 Audible Book Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Sunday Post December 26, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 27, 2021

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms

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.

New Years Wishes 2022

It is hard to realize that this is the last Sunday/Monday of 2021. May you have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Heather and her three joined us on Saturday to celebrate our Christmas early with a ham dinner/lunch.
Then we had a lovely Christmas Eve service.
Santa found the Illinois grandkids at our house but I still haven't gotten a picture of everyone together. 

I haven't been reading as much with the kids here. Instead we have played Uno, Crazy Eights, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Go Fish, and Clue.

I get to celebrate a birthday into a new decade on Monday. For the next 6 months my husband, siblings and I will all be in our 70s. Hubby is the oldest of our 'generation' of family and I am the youngest.

We are expecting lovely weather this week from 65 to 78.

It still feels like I am not getting much reading done. Still I enjoyed my listening. I finished two audiobooks. I posted one review and my usual memes.

I again visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to ENTERING THE ENCHANTED CASTLE. Lori says “I love reading, writing, and everything we can learn and experience through the magic of words.”

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

These were last week's posts:
  • A2021- Audible Book Review: The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth; Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Steampunk; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
Atrocity Archives, Charles Stross


The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 11 h 1 min
This is a fun story of an unexpected 'hero' in a covert agency hunting mysteries and monsters.
Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit.




2. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)
Sleigh Spells


Sleigh Spells
Author Bella Falls
Narrator: Johanna Parker
Duration: 6 h 10 min.

This is a delightful story with an extra short incuded.
Source: 12/12/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.

Summary:
Have yourself a very Merry Witchmas in Holiday Haven, where the magic and mystery of Christmas is snow joke!
Aurora Hart hates everything Christmas, but how could she turn down the opportunity to serve one year of probation in Holiday Haven versus a full sentence for her crimes? Saddled with a talking squirrel roommate, Aurora is doing her best to keep a low profile as she bides her time. Everything is going fine . . . until Santa's sleigh gets stolen.
Now, all eyes are on her and the other town Humbugs, and it's up to Aurora to keep her behind from ending up back in jail. With the help of a very important person from the North Pole, she finds herself hot on the trail of the real culprit. But it will take her having to do something she's never done before-accepting new friends and their assistance. Only then will Aurora be able to turn not only her own life around but also Christmas for the entire world!
Will Aurora be able to solve the mystery of who stole Santa's sleigh in time? Or will the culprit get the final sleigh?...


Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)
Book cover for Christmas In Evergreen by Nancy Naigle with featured deal banner


Christmas In Evergreen
by Nancy Naigle
Read by Kathleen McInerney
Run Time 6h 34min
My son reminded me that I hadn't finished my color challenge so we went on a hunt for a color.
Source: 12/4/2021 Purchase at Chirp for $.99

Publisher Description
Evergreen, Vermont is about to be in the rearview mirror of Allie Shaw’s vintage red pickup truck. It’s hard to say goodbye to her small town and her veterinarian practice, but she’s moving to Washington D.C., where her big-city-loving boyfriend lives. Ever since Ryan Bellamy’s wife died, he hardly knows how to celebrate Christmas. He’s decided to take his daughter Zoe to Florida, and Evergreen is just a quick stop on the way to the airport. While they’re there, Zoe partakes in a local tradition, making a Christmas wish on the snow globe at the town diner. But neither Allie’s nor Ryan’s Christmas goes as planned. They’ve checked their wish lists twice, and they didn’t say anything about meeting someone new…or about a fresh chance at love. This sweet holiday romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Vermont Christmas Card Cookies. Includes an exclusive preview of Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa, book two in the Christmas in Evergreen series.


I might get one more short story before 2022. We'll see.
I have to get a picture ready for my First Book of the Year 2022.
banner

Whenever: ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)
23676904


A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
Not much progress again this week. I am likely to set aside kindle reading until I can make it easier on phone or tablet. We'll see. 
Source: 2012 NetGalley.

Click on book title for full description.





December 26, 2021 - I continue on track, reading through Zechariah and Revelation.  I continue to love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No more studies planned for 2021.


I completed two books making three reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has two old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. Looks like they will go into 2022.
(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 books.
I didn't purchase any audiobooks but I did choose my two December Audible credit titles.
I picked my December VIP selection at Audiobooks.com.
I got two Kindle books.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE

Won
NONE

Purchased
I picked my last two Audible credits for 2021. One series to finish and another to continue.
Home Coming Audiobook By A. American cover art
Home Coming
The Survivalist Series, Book 10
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins


Galaxy's Edge, Part II Audiobook By Jason Anspach, Nick Cole cover art
Galaxy's Edge, Part II
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins



Free
December VIP Selection from Audiobooks.com.
The Alpha Enigma
The Alpha Enigma
Author W. Michael Gear
Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan
Duration: 16 h 36 min



Two kindle titles through Facebook links.
Wolves What Follows Fall
by R.L. Hemlock



THE NINTH PROTOCOL: Longshot Book 1
(LONGSHOT SERIES)
by Kevin Simington



Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 26, 2021

We attended church online again this morning, visiting three different services! Our pastor concluded his sermon series “Heaven is Here!”

At Christmas time we look for the label and the name on the gift. We are looking for something special just for us. Our name is special; we like to be called by our name. Our name is personal, it means something, and belongs to us. We may hear it used different ways – in love, in anger or a myriad ways in between.

The Bible has a lot to say about names. There are lots of genealogies because names matter. It provides history and lineage. Through history, names often signified what you did for a living, but we are not governed by that today.

Luke 2:21-35 ‘… the baby… was named Jesus…’ verse 21. Simeon recognized the baby as the special gift. “I’ve seen your salvation.” Simeon had encountered the Holy Spirit. He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. Luke 2:25-32.

The Spirit will lead us if we allow Him; He may be specific or general. We must be willing to follow and wait even if we don’t know what will happen.

The Point: Your name and what you are known for matters a lot!

The name of Jesus/Yeshua matters a lot. It means ‘to deliver or rescue’. Jesus told Zacchaeus “Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:9-10.

Jesus’ purpose is to bring/give salvation. To bring deliverance and hope.

Each of us has been given a purpose by God. We have been given Salvation/Jesus so we can live our life for a purpose – to fullness. John 10:10.

What spiritual harvest are you yielding? Jesus is the gift from God to You. That is the gift label.

There are some places we don’t want our name like an IRS audit list or a traffic ticket. But we do want our name written in the Book of Life which is the list of those who have been savesd. You would like there to be something good written with your name. “All were judged by the works they had done…” Revelation 20:12-15.

Don’t you want your name written with good things you did: people you helped, people you impacted, and things that matter?  Your name will be known for something or many somethings.

Whatever time we have left, we get to decide if our name is written in The Book of Life and what we will be known for.
What you do, what you produce in spiritual fruit, matters.
What will your name be known for?

I had a couple of song choices this morning and chose this one: His Name Shall Be.
Verses for Today:
Luke 2:29-32 NIV
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”


Lord, forgive me for the many times I failed to produce spiritual fruit and help me to be more productive for You and Your Kingdom.



Saturday, December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas 2021

Religious-Christmas-Wishes-Quotes





I have been busy with family here at home but I have been thinking of all my blog world family too.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts today and always!

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.


Friday, December 24, 2021

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 24, 2021

Happy Friday! 1 days night until Christmas!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

Sorry this post is late. We have the Illinois family in and I was busy playing games with the grandkids and wrapping gifts late at night. I totally forget to get this post ready and then we celebrated Christmas dinner today so that all grands could be here together. 
MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all!

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 17, 2021 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 were no titles blocked last week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 17, 2021 Pick:
CHRISTY gets Eye of the World
AND
MIKI 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.}
Are you wrapped in a good book!
Image found at Pinterest SchoolsLibrarayDisplays.

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
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)
Three Audio CD Books:

Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson


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
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

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

Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
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
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

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

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky

Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue



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:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls

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

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
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
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
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
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind
New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018
Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
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.
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
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
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
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
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 1,386 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, TWRP, 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!