Sunday Words of Encouragement September 9, 2018

We had a nice Sunday School lesson covering 1 Corinthians 1 verse 2. Our SS teacher says he will get moving along, otherwise, at this rate, it would take over 8 years to go through 1 Corinthians!

This morning we had a Youth Movement service where our youth took over with music, video and sermon. It was very good. I really enjoyed the music and the message. Our youth pastor shared that he is leading the youth in a series called “Following Jesus in the 21st Century”.
He noted that it isn’t easy to be a young Christian in this age of free living.
Christian youth (and adults) must learn to “Fix your focus”.

There is great cost for following Christ. Luke 9:57-62. It is life changing. We must recognize what is most important, which is the kingdom of God; investing in the eternal; adding to the Kingdom, not just going along for the ride. Momentary things of the world are unimportant.
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14.
Our lives are a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:3-4.

We must strive to live showing God's characteristics. We are meant to live for more than worldly gain. God put you here for a purpose. God intends that we be something much greater than who we are individually. We must correct our focus from life to eternity.

The youth pastor shared the story image of a man with a long white rope that extends around the room. At the end is a tiny price of red tape. The white cord signifies Eternity compared to the red which is our tiny time on Earth.

Fix your focus. Remember that heaven and hell are reality --- forever. It isn’t easy.

They shared a video with the youth talking about the things they face in school and among the other students: temptations, ridicule, harassment. Sad to hear that the schools smell of pot and that so many use drugs and alcohol. They also shared their faith that gives them strength to stand against the evils of the world!

Pastor then reminded us that we are here to be the church. To win souls. The greatest chance to win a soul is before age 16. The church people need to encourage the youth; to let them stand on our shoulders.

Even in our small community, even in the ‘Bible belt’, there are hundreds of students who have no one in their lives to point them to Christ. Adults and students need to be a beacon, a light in darkness. A lighthouse to the unchurched.

The youth sang this song this morning which is new to me. I LOVE the words!

Reckless Love!

Verses for Today:
Psalm 144:3-4 (NIV)
3 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,
mere mortals that you think of them?
4 They are like a breath;
their days are like a fleeting shadow.

My comment/addition: I was impressed how the words to this song can be a prayer, not just for me, but for loved ones who need to know Jesus. I will substitute their name for the word “me”.

Sharing Beyond Books #352 Comment Giveaway September 8, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
4 mentioned contemporary romance, Historical Romance and fantasy; 2 mentioned mystery, paranormal romance, sci fi and historical fiction. Other mentions were cozy mysteries, urban fantasy, contemporary, YA, woman's fiction, time slip, romance and military sci fi. From those of us who answered Sharing Beyond Books #97 Comment Giveaway April 27, 2013, Miki and bn100 named the same reading genre but the rest of us have changed.


The Winner from SBB #351 comments is: #9 CAROL L 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 #352

(One Question.)

CarolL asks: Aside from reading a series, do you stay with one genre or do you mix it up through the month?

Now that we shared our favorite genres, I know that I do try to mix it up so I have variety in the month.

Image found at Classroom Nook.

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. CarolL asks: Aside from reading a series, do you stay with one genre or do you mix it up through the month?

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 September 22, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: All These Worlds, Bobiverse Book 3, by Dennis E. Taylor

This is a fun and engaging space sci fi.
All These Worlds
Bobiverse, Book 3
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Bobiverse, Book 3
Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-08-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Space, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The epic and highly anticipated conclusion to the listener-favorite series that had countless Audible listeners (and employees) hooked from the very first Bob—featuring, as always, a flawless performance from the inimitable Ray Porter.
Being a sentient spaceship really should be more fun. But after spreading out through space for almost a century, Bob and his clones just can't stay out of trouble.
They've created enough colonies so humanity shouldn't go extinct. But political squabbles have a bad habit of dying hard, and the Brazilian probes are still trying to take out the competition. And the Bobs have picked a fight with an older, more powerful species with a large appetite and a short temper.
Still stinging from getting their collective butts kicked in their first encounter with the Others, the Bobs now face the prospect of a decisive final battle to defend Earth and its colonies. But the Bobs are less disciplined than a herd of cats, and some of the younger copies are more concerned with their own local problems than defeating the Others.
Yet salvation may come from an unlikely source. A couple of eighth-generation Bobs have found something out in deep space. All it will take to save the Earth and perhaps all of humanity is for them to get it to Sol - unless the Others arrive first.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This is a satisfying conclusion of a fun series. Bob was a human who woke up to find his brain had been used to create a sentient AI spaceship. Bob and his many clones have spread throughout the universe. They have helped develop new worlds for human colonies and even helped with alien species on their own planets and as refuges to a new planet to survive.

The author follows several threads on different planets. Many of the Bobs have created Android bodies to interact with the colonists or other aliens. The original Bob is living, undercover, with his aging Deltan friend Archimedes. Howard returns to comfort Bridgette when her husband dies and they renew a close friendship over the objection of her children. Marcus joins the rebels in Poseidon.

While the younger Bobs worry about their new colonies, the older ones worry how they can save humans from decimation by the Others. The Others have already committed genocide of several worlds. The Bobs fought them but failed to save the planet where the Pavs lived. Now there is concern that the Others will attack the earth where millions of survivors are still waiting to be paid.

This book is a little calmer than the first too but still engaging. There is a good balance of humor, danger and even family drama. I enjoyed the interesting dynamics of the AIs trying to balance the extent of their involvement with humans and experiencing loss as long-time companions age and die. The fantasy doesn’t require a lot of hard thought but provides light, fun entertainment.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a lighter sci fi fantasy.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a stellar narrator. He provides many varied voices and conveys equally well the somber and snarky characters. His narration definitely enhances the enjoyment for me.

Source: Audible 2018 April Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 7, 2018

Happy Friday!  A week into September already!
Work continues busy. Reading continues to take me away to imaginary worlds!

I got most of the GCs and PayPal Credits out during the week. Waiting for a reply from a couple of people regarding the form of credit.

I continue to hope everyone is staying safe from fires, rain, storms, floods and heat.

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 August 31 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. No title was blocked.
Elizabeth gets Surrender

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 31 Pick:
NIKKI gets a GC and
RUBYNREBA gets the Kay Hooper Pair

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

A new month heading to the end of the year quicker than we think.
Image found at Pictures Cafe.

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
No One Left to Tell is MP3
Kisscut is Cassettes
Dark Summer is CDs
Pairs: Kay Hooper and Carla Neggers
The rest are singles
Zombies of the Gene Pool


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Pairs: Fern Michaels and James Patterson
The rest are singles
Note:
The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are 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)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayed
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point 
My Dark Prince
Fatal Defect

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


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

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

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 - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four 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 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 1,184+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!

MBS August 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - AUGUST

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; 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 2017
Favorite for August: One Perfect Spring and Silent Threat (4.75) and then I had 7 titles rated 4.5!
I enjoyed a lot of good reading/listening this month.

1. A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
2. Goodreads- A2018- Into the Storm (Iron Kingdoms) by Larry Correia, Ray Porter (Narrator); Fantasy, Military; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
3. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder; Noir, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
4. Goodreads- A2018- River of Bones (Destroyermen, #13) by Taylor Anderson (Goodreads Author), William Dufris (Narrator); Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
5. 2018LBC Print- Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
6. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
7. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann; Fantasy; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
8. 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
9. AudioTBR- Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti; Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
12. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
13. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 3.75 of 5.0.
15. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
16. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

I exceeded my goal of 15 per month but didn't read as many TBRs as I would have liked.
I am 6 books ahead on my 2018 Goodreads Challenge with 113 of 160.
Total read = 16; TBR = 6; New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 9 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 4 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 3 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)