Sunday Words of Encouragement December 22, 2013

[As noted - I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]

ADVENT WEEK FOUR celebrates The Nativity... a choice is made, a gift given and God becomes Emmanuel -- God with us, God made man to show us His presence and provide the final bridge from the darkness to the light.

The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Week Four :: The Nativity
The God-made-flesh became all things to all people. And his incarnation means our very choices are made sacred. Discernment is a process of incarnation, a letting God in. The nativity reminded us that God has already been here, been involved intimately in our lives—and it wasn’t going to stop.
....

We had a lovely Christmas service this morning.

This is a medley from our choir Christmas program.
I could not find the song I had in mind but this is a good choice too.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 9:6
    For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Well - other than early gifts (mailed late) and some stocking gifts (now purchased) I am abandoning all pretense at preparation for the commercial part of Christmas. And I think that is just as well. My DH and I are focusing on family time, perhaps a Christmas Eve service, and recognizing the true reason to celebrate - Christ came to live with us and die for us. Thank you to our triune God!

Sharing Beyond Books #131 Comment + Special Giveaway 12/21/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Happy Winter Solstice! Here I sit tonight - no fire needed as it is warm again. Hope it gets a little cooler again for Christmas.

The number one hard thing or late thing for commenters this year is sending cards with six people mentioning that. Three mentioned everything is difficult this season; two said trees and a few other items like mailing gifts (we were late too) and planning Christmas dinner. Only two people feel fully prepared - lucky folks. :-)

Thirteen people will be giving books for gifts to family members from moms to great nephews. Two said "maybe" they will give books and two said no.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #130 comments is: #4 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #131

Q1. Margaret asks: If you drink tea, which herbal tea is your favorite??

A: I enjoy various teas - different flavors for different moods. I most prefer Earl Grey and Breakfast Blend - usually decaf. I think my favorite herbal tea is Mandarin Orange although I do enjoy getting a variety pack to try other flavors.

Image found at itsallisonbtch.

Q2. ElizabethL poses a book question: What book are you looking forward to for the new year??

A: I had a third book in a trilogy I was looking forward to until I saw the less than favorable reviews. Now I am totally undecided what book to make my first read in 2014.  I am pretty sure it is going to be The Harbinger which I have been looking forward to for some time. I am also looking forward to reading the Four Blood Moons early in 2014. Other than those - I always look forward to many books! :-)  BTW - please see special Giveaway below regarding this!!

Image found at Pages of Forbidden Love.

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! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Margaret asks: If you drink tea which herbal tea is your favorite??

Q2. ElizabethL poses a book question: What book are you looking forward to for the new year??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 by Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10 PM central.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!
In addition to the usual giveaway I have a special Giveaway to add: I plan to pick a winner from all those who share a title that they are looking forward to reading in 2014. If the winner has not yet purchased the book I will purchase it for them as a gift. If they already have the book then I will send a GC for the price of the book (up to a reasonable amount - up to $20.00). So let me hear what books you want!!
Winner to be selected 12/27/13 at 10PM central.

Book Review: Christmas Wishes by Wendy Vella

This is another delightful historical gem - perfect for quick Christmas reading joy.
Christmas Wishes
by Wendy Vella

• File Size: 2698 KB
• Print Length: 95 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Wendy Vella (December 8, 2013)
• ASIN: B00H707SG0

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 8, 2013
Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers, however she was desperate for money to support the orphans in her care this Christmas, so it is to him she must go. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to point out his many faults so boldly, but the man drove her to distraction and all thoughts of lady-like behaviour disappeared in his infuriating presence.

Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long forgotten Christmas wish really come true?

Review:
Hero is from a society family but her father was a wastrel and she is now alone and reliant on a family relative for support. She is content to live at a ramshackle estate she inherited but she needs more to care for the six orphaned children she has taken in. They really need financial patronage to make repairs and have a bit of Christmas joy. She has written to the local “Lord” but he hasn’t even had the decency to reply.

Shortly before Christmas Hero learns that Lord Caruthers, Max, has returned from town so she ‘storms the castle’ to seek his help. It isn’t very encouraging when she discovers him with bloodshot eyes and clearly suffering from a night of excess. Hero doesn’t have much faith or sympathy for the obviously indulgent Lord and he initially views her as a prissy termagant.

Max surprises Hero when he keeps his promise to visit her the next day but she is still distrustful and rude. Max realizes how outspoken Hero can be but he also sees how lovely and caring she really is. Max has known little of love through his life and is surprised to watch this young woman who is willing to give so freely to children who aren’t even her own. One little boy has clearly suffered abuse but he attaches himself to Max and is sure that he will protect them.

Max manages to surprise Hero again, first with repairs and gifts and then with personal attention. She is attracted to him although she knows that she isn’t likely to attract such a rake. When danger threatens the children and then Hero, Max is quick to come to the rescue and to decide that there is something special about Hero that brings to mind Christmas wishes. 

Although this is a rather common plotline for a historical novel--the poor innocent miss and the rich rake--Ms. Vella makes it a fun read with the addition of delightfully cute children, good chemical attraction, a little danger and sweet romance. It is a quick, easy read that was a delight. This is a wonderful novella to give a reader a taste of this author, or a treat for those readers who already enjoy her work.

Max recognizes that Hero is special:

“... She was everything he had never wanted in a wife. She would be demanding, argumentative and want to play a full role in his affairs....” Location 1408

I was glad to read this quick Christmas delight from the author.

Book Review: Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters) by Wendy Vella

This is a lovely historical with the tensions of society issues and a little bit of danger and mystery.

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella

• File Size: 2673 KB
• Print Length: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wendy Vella; 3 edition (December 10, 2013)
• ASIN: B00G88MQQY

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
Desperate and penniless, Miss Olivia Langley is out of options. To ensure her family's survival she and her sister decide to take a drastic step - they don masks and take to the road as highwaymen. Disaster strikes when, inside the first carriage they rob, they find the one man Olivia had hoped never to see again. Five years ago Lord William Ryder had broken Livvy's heart. Now he has returned and she has a bad feeling that if anyone can succeed at unmasking her deepest secrets, it will be him.
Will knew his return would be greeted with both joy and resentment, but after five years of hard living he was ready to come home and take his place in society. He had never forgotten Olivia no matter how hard he'd tried, and whilst he hadn't imagined she would welcome him with open arms, the hostility and anger she displays are at odds with the woman he once knew. It is not long before he realizes she's living a dangerous lie, and now that he’s back, Will is determined to keep her safe and finally claim her for his own.

Review:
Olivia is a proper young lady but has the burden of trying to support her younger sisters and household after the untimely death of their father. Olivia is too proud to let the community see that their finances are in desperate shape. They have sold most of the pictures and things of value in their home and they need extra funds to get medical help for the youngest girl, Bella. Now Olivia and her middle sister, Phoebe, have become highway robbers to assure their next meals and to build up the funds to help Beth.

Will has just returned home from his travels and adventures abroad. Five years earlier Will had been dressed down as a wastrel by his elder brother. Will, being a young hothead, stomped off in the heat of anger taking his long time friend, Luke, as coachman and side kick. Now they are returning with a third partner and fortunes secured for each.

Will is thrilled to see his childhood best friend and almost sweetheart, Olivia. Granted he had left her behind with no word too, but they were young and he was a selfish young man enjoying his life of freedom with wicked friends in town. But Olivia had always been special to him and now, as a mature man of means, he is determined to pursue her and keep her safe.

Olivia doesn’t want to acknowledge that Will broke her young heart when he left without so much as a note. She had hoped she had gotten over her youthful infatuation but fears that is not the case when she inadvertently robs his coach on the night of his return. Now she struggles to give him a cold shoulder and to keep him from getting close enough to learn the secrets of her family circumstances. Then Olivia’s odious and lewd cousin determines that he will take advantage of the three young girls. Can Olivia execute an escape before getting caught or will she accept help before it is too late?

The plot may be somewhat old hat but Ms. Vella makes it work nicely with warm characters and good action. This is an easy, light read with strong emotions between the matured characters. I enjoyed the touch of danger that exists with the highway robberies and of course the added villainy of a lecher set to control the girls. Will and his two companions make good heros and add more sidelines of interest. The sexual encounters in this one are strong but not too steamy and play second place to a larger plot which is how I like it. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an engaging, warm historical romance and I look forward to more stories from Ms. Vella.

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 20, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]
{NOTE: Most books are out in the mail and GCs will be gifted Friday or Saturday.}
NOTE TWO: Per my note last week, and as a holiday special: Any winner from December 6 - 27 can choose a book (even for International) or GC (even for US). 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! TO ALL Friday Pick visitors!!  Only five days to Christmas and I am so NOT ready. At least I have tried to focus on the real reason for the season and I'm not stressing about the rest. I just hope everyone else can understand my attitude. :-)

{More good health news: the additional biopsy came back negative. Another doctor consult tomorrow but we still may not have a plan of treatment until next Friday when I see the second (chemo) oncologist. }

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the December 13 Pick. There were TWO Automatic wins again this week.   (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were two titles blocked and again one was won.

Anita gets Caught in a Bind
bn100 gets Deceptions & Dreams

CONGRATULATIONS
[I picked an extra winner for Holiday gifting. :-)]
to Random.org picked Winners from December 13 Pick:
Sue gets Dove in the Window (after several weeks blocked)

LindaK gets Never Tell
marjorie gets a GC

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

 Image found at hypable. 

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS:
Hannah Howell
     My Valiant Knight and Beauty and the Beast
Rachel Lee
     A Conrad County Homecoming and Boots & Badges
SINGLES:
Honor Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
The Fall by Claudia Dain
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Shades of Scarlet by Linda Fallon
Legendary Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Found Money by James Grippando - Abridged Cassette Audio
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Hawk's Pursuit by Connie O'Banyon
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner
Guarded Secrets by Rebecca York and B.J. Daniels

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Singles:
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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! I am happy to say that so far about 605+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

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 $5.00 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)