Sunday Words of Encouragement June 21, 2015

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE FATHERS!!

We had a nice service today. Our Sunday School teacher continued lessons in Romans chapter 2. He discussed “labels” pointing out that the origin of the word  “Jew” was one Judah - meaning one of the tribe (or kingdom) of Judah.  As noted last week, Paul was addressing the Jews error in judging the Gentiles. Reading verses 25-29 reveals that having an outward sign as a Jew (circumcision) is only of value if that person is living properly, obeying the law. God does not judge men by their outside appearance or label. Labels and signs may point to truth, but only God judges in truth by the content within man’s heart. He looks for His own mark on the heart of the one he judges.

Our Pastor gave a sermon for Father’s Day. He shared several poem/prayers for fathers. His message was grounded in Joshua 24:14-18. He stressed two points about the Godly man: 1. He is the Priest of his home, and 2. He plans for his family. First, as priest the father is responsible for spiritual security and teaching at home. Second, the father sets the example by staying in the word and in following the right ways of God’s teachings. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (re-emphasized in Deuteronomy 11:18-20). Pastor encouraged all of the men “Don't leave God out of your manhood.”

We sang this song this morning and I find it stirring each time we sing it.

Bless the Lord Oh my Soul!

Verses for Today
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
6These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Thank you God for being my loving, caring, merciful Father who loves me beyond my human understanding.

Sharing Beyond Books #208 Comment Giveaway June 20, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

We had a nice time this morning with our daughter, s-i-l and granddaughters. We had breakfast, the girls swam while DH showed daughter and me how to set up the motor coach. After lunch and a short nap I was going to head off to work but my car wouldn't start.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Two others agreed with me that Jessica Fletcher would make a "safe" competitor. Several commenters actually chose characters who might be challenging competitors.  The most fun answers were bn100's choice of Micky Mouse, Rita's choice of the seven dwarfs and poetryinleaves choice of her own created character.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #207 comments is: #7 Meredith who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #208 (One Question.)

bn100 asks: Q1 Would you still read a book from your favorite author even if the book didn't appeal/sound interesting to you??

A: I am thinking that I might not read it if the book didn't interest me. I might give the book a second, or third look, and check reviews to see I might like the book. But there are just too many books available to spend time on one that doesn't interest me.
 

Image found at Daily Happy Quote.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
bn100 asks: Q1 Would you still read a book from your favorite author even if the book didn't appeal/sound interesting to you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 through Saturday June 27, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: Fortune's Detour: Prequel of The Deka Series by Abigail Schwaig

This is an engaging sci fi with interesting characters in a strange new world.

FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig

• File Size: 3291 KB
• Print Length: 290 pages
• Publication Date: October 21, 2014
• ASIN: B00OSG37SE

Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 21, 2014 | Age Level: 10 - 18
Meet Natalie Pryce- an artist at heart, constantly misunderstood by most of the people she knows. She has changed her career aspirations more times than she can count and feels like a grand failure at life. She is directionless until accidentally falling into an exciting relationship with David, a charming and expressive young man who is more than willing to live moment to moment with her. Life starts looking up, until, just her luck, disaster strikes, secrets are revealed, and Natalie is forced to flee for her life.
If you are tired of young adult novels having unrealistic expectations for true love and if you want to explore a new galaxy set in the elusive Deka Quadrant, then you’ll enjoy this first installment about the mysterious Deka region of space.
Fortune’s Detour was meant to be a prequel to the up and coming sci-fi series. It should serve as both an entertaining read and a preparatory journey from “summer reading list” to “it happened in a galaxy far, far away.”
So prop your feet up, brew a hot mug of Nib juice (make sure those pesky nuts have been properly prepared first!), and sit back and enjoy the first of The Deka Series.

Review:
Natalie is a young woman in college with an artistic nature. She changes her major every few months to the consternation of her parents. One summer she meets a gorgeous and charming young man, David, who sweeps her off her feet. They have a wonderful summer romance until secrets tumble around her putting her in danger. When she seeks assistance from the authorities she meets Sam who guides her into witness protection. Natalie, now Nicki-Ray, and Sam travel to a distant safe house. During their trip they have an interesting conversation regarding creation beliefs in their world.

The author has created an interesting world with mysterious features and good contrast between country and city scapes. I enjoyed the bright descriptive word choices and the likable and engaging characters. The story is written in first person as Natalie describes the last year or so of her topsy turvy life. The pacing moves along well with life details spiced with action. However there were a couple of sections that made me wince. Natalie meets a strange man at the beach and has no qualms bringing him home without knowing anything more than his name. Even for a college girl that is a bit alarming. I also thought that the semi-religious conversation was rather odd. I happened to enjoy it quite a bit but not every reader will be comfortable with that dialogue as a bridge between action scenes. There were some interesting details I initially thought were to be explained in future stories but by the ending it appeared they were just loose details that had no real connection.

I am not sure why the age level was chosen as 10-18. I think younger readers would get lost in the philosophical discussions and the story is engaging for adults.

Even in an other world setting the story has a natural realism and an engaging plot. This is a good debut novel although I think the author has room to learn to tighten her details and action. I am comfortable recommending this book to readers who enjoy a character driven fiction with an unusual setting and engaging plot.

I received this from the Author whom I met at EPICon 2015. She provided the ebook for an honest review.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 19, 2015

Ahh- Another Friday - Yay.  The week wasn't super busy but it was steady. My DH had a heart zapping procedure so Wednesday was a little tense. All went well and his heart is back in rhythm and he already has more energy and less dizziness.
I don't have a list or picture yet for a new book list but I will post it by Saturday. -- Sorry this didn't happen as the books and camera are at my office and my car wouldn't start when I went to go out today. :-(

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 to 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 June 12 Pick. There was only one automatic win again this week.  Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked.
AUTO: Betty gets The Awakening

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 12 Pick:
Elizabeth gets a GC

Rita gets the Nora Roberts Pair (after several weeks being blocked)

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.}

Happy Summer- Hope there is extra time to read!

Image found at Tamara's Blend.

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Better Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess
Special Agent
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun


New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes



BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 833+ 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. 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!

Book Review: The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen

This is a thought provoking dystopian story with engaging plot twists.
The Ark
by Laura Liddell Nolen

• File Size: 1020 KB
• Print Length: 239 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager (March 26, 2015)
• Publication Date: March 26, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• ASIN: B00O0FY6B0

Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.
It’s the final days of earth, and sixteen-year-old Char is right where she belongs: in prison. With her criminal record, she doesn’t qualify for a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect earth’s survivors during the meteor strike that looks set to destroy the planet. Only a select few will be saved – like her mom, dad, and brother – all of whom have long since turned their backs on Char.
If she ever wants to redeem herself, Char must use all the tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they actually ever want to see her again, or not . . .

Review:
Char felt abandoned at home and, as a rebellious pre-teen, she took up with a bad group of kids. She pushed her beloved younger brother away so he wouldn’t follow in her thieving footsteps. She tried to break away but her cohorts trapped her in the last robbery. Of course, noone would believe her and, at the age of sixteen, she is on her third time in Juvenile prison. The bigger problem is that no prisoners will be allowed a starpass to enter the Ark.

A meteor is headed toward Earth. Five Arks have been built to take selective groups from five nations into space to recolonize. Important people in leadership and specialized fields, like medicine, are guaranteed a spot. Others from age appropriate (under 40), healthy citizens have been selected by lottery.

Char unexpectedly finds herself in possession of a starpass. She seeks help from a special prisoner, Isaiah, who is called ‘the mole’ due to his blindness. She persuades him to help her escape. They become separated but she finally makes it to the Ark and a young security officer helps her enter at the last minute. Char desperately wants to see her family but she fears they will not welcome her.

Once on board Char is exposed as a stowaway and goes on the run and into hiding. She discovers surprising allies and experiences (yet again) painful betrayals. The disturbing secrets she discovers could change life, not only for her but, for everyone onboard the Ark.

Char is a complex character, whose spirit of rebellion was difficult for me to embrace. I had to remind myself more than once that she is just a young, confused and emotionally hurt girl. I would have appreciated Char’s stealthy skills if they were used for good and they do come in handy in helping her reach the Ark and survive once there. I also liked Isaiah’s intensely brilliant leadership skills although he too is a difficult character to fully like.

The author makes a good point about how we view rules: some believe rules are made to “protect us”, while others recognize some rules often “only protect a small group”. I initially had trouble getting into the story/characters. However, once I hit 30% I couldn’t put it down. There is a distinct blurriness to lines of good and evil. There is certainly bleakness in the story – especially to the extent that corruption is going with those destined to build a new world– but there is a message of hope too. I recommend this story as a good dystopian experience.

I received this ebook from Pump Up Your Book tour for an honest review.

• The Ark is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
• Read Chapter One here.

About the Author

Laura Liddell Nolen grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she spent lots of time playing make-believe with her two younger brothers. They supplemented their own stories with a steady diet of space- and superhero-themed movies, books, and television. The daughter of a comic book collector, she learned how to handle old comics at an early age, a skill she’s inordinately proud of to this day.

Laura began work on her first novel, The Ark, in 2012, following the birth of her daughter Ava, a tiny rebel and a sweetheart on whom the novel’s main character is loosely based. Completion of The Ark was made possible in part due to an SCBWI Work-in-Progress Award. 

Laura loves coffee, dogs, and making lists. She has a degree in French and a license to practice law, but both are frozen in carbonite at present. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two young children, and their dog Miley, who is a very good girl.

For More Information:

Visit Laura Liddell Nolen’s website.

Connect with Laura on Facebook and Twitter.

Find out more about Laura at Goodreads.

Visit Laura’s blog.