Sunday Words of Encouragement November 20, 2016

Several weeks ago our Sunday School teacher shared from a study by Pastor Andy Stanley titled The Sinai Code. He explained that God gave His people the ten commandments not so they could earn acceptance, but as evidence that a relationship already existed and as confirmation of their acceptance. The ‘rules’ are to show man how to live every day in relationship. These were instructions to those who were already in the family: His people. How to live-- not for His sake-- but for theirs (ours).

The first four of the ten commandments are relationship to God. ‘You shall have no other God’s but me’. Recognize only the one, your God, and seek your God for all your needs. Next: make no idols; do not take His name in vain; honor the day of rest so you can remember ‘who provides for you’.
All the components center around God.

All people are valuable in His image. Everyone you come into contact is valuable. Treat them right. This was/is totally different from a caste society. Without God, there is only law set by rulers over the people. There was not to be a king because with a king there is oppression and a class system.
There was no country that was without a king leader until 1776. The United States established a government with no king. It was established as a nation of law. The problem is that when man makes laws, man feels empowered to break it. Even those in power feel they can break rules. When the law is God given, then we can choose to be law keepers.

The value of the ten commandments is not so much the rules but the acknowledgment of law giver, the Almighty. We have a conscious in our nation that makes us object to oppression in other nations too.

The fifth commandment is the first that comes with a promise. Honor your father and mother so you may live long. Once man grows and becomes successful they would tend to grasp at new values and abandon old. As the family goes, so goes the nation.  The final five address how to behave toward others. Thou shall not murder, commit adultery, lie, steal or covet. In other words: Honor everyone around you. We are accountable to God for what you do, accountable for what you think. God isn’t trying to make you (us) good. He is trying to keep you (us) free!

God wanted a sin free nation. Exodus 20:20 states that ‘the fear of God is to keep you from sinning’. This was all new to the nation of Israel. We see examples in our generation of the failure to keep God in the center of our lives.

The study series is available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgFW4BwhyaQ.

This song came to mind as a fitting song to go with this message! You are God Alone!

Verses for Today:
Exodus 20: 1-3 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

Again, Lord Father God, I thank you for adopting me into Your family. Help me to always keep You first and at the center of my life.

Sharing Beyond Books #279 Comment Giveaway Novmeber 19, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Eight commenters agree that their favorite leftover from turkey is turkey sandwiches. Four of our blog friends do not eat turkey - it is not readily available in many countries. Two people love to use leftovers in soup and others like turkey casserole and turkey hash (which sounds good - I plan to suggest that to my hubby).

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #278 comments is: #5 Janhvi 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #279

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Do you like reading recaps (of the previous book) in sequels? Love them/hate them? Or do you think that's just the author trying to make the book seem longer/thicker??

I can't think of any off the top of my head where the 'recap' felt like filler to make the book longer. Generally I like a little backstory because, even if I have read the prior books, there is likely to be a gap of time before I get to the sequel. Then the recap helps me recall the story aspects.

Image Found at Meme Generator.

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: Nikki asks: Do you like reading recaps (of the previous book) in sequels? Love them/hate them? Or do you think that's just the author trying to make the book seem longer/thicker??

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 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 November 26, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell #RRSciFiMonth

This is a character driven, engaging space mystery.

Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence)
by Robert M. Campbell

File Size: 445 KB
Print Length: 236 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018R7TV5W
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Four mining ships are making the slow return to Mars from operations in the asteroid belt. Back on the planet, a group of students discover a mysterious object in space in an impossible orbit. The crew of the Lighthouse space station are shocked by a devastating accident that throws their routine into chaos as they strive to get their ships safely home.

Cut off from Earth, the sub-surface Martian Colony of New Providence suddenly finds itself in peril from something hostile and unknown. Is it alien? Is it an AI from Old Earth? After five generations enduring the harsh conditions on Mars, will the 50,000 citizens of New Providence survive this new and terrifying threat?

Review:
The last remaining humans from earth have colonized Mars. As best they have been able to determine humans were destroyed by AI computers or machines that took control of all facilities on earth. Although the colonists have tablets for information and communication, sharing through an open web or internet is banned. Resources, including water, are scarce on Mars. They use a limited number of space ships to mine outer asteroids to bring desperately needed supplies.

Emma has a father captaining one ship and a boyfriend on another. She and her best friends, Tamra and Greg have discovered movement in space that they believe is suspicious. They report it to one of their professors who passes it on to the Commander of the space station that heads security for the colonists. The discovery is confirmed by the sudden, explosive disappearance of the closest of the four space ships that are returning to Mars. Emma is sent to the space station to help the staff figure out what is happening.

The remaining ships are aware of the explosion and they are warned that the foreign object is matching the trajectory of the next ship in line. The other captains try different tacks hoping to return safely to Mars. The story follows the struggles of the three young people, the station staff and the remaining space crews.

This is an engaging space mystery. The story is character driven with a detailed development of the primary characters and their living circumstances. I was interested in what would happen to the people. I also enjoyed the detail in the world and society created by Mr. Campbell. My only disappointment was that the story ends with a cliffhanger. It does not resolve the current conflict and dilemma. Still, I recommend this to sci fi and mystery readers with the forewarning that you will need book two.

This kicks off my reading for Sci Fi Month #RRSciFiMonth - even though I am more than ½ way through the month! ARGH. I received this as a free download at SciFiExplorations.com.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 18, 2016

Happy Friday!

Another week counting down to year end!
Don't forget that for the four weeks in November I select FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!
Sorry I didn't get the Christmas list up until today - the week got away from me.

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 November 11 Pick. This week there was one automatic win. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked with three requests - it was won by Random pick.
AUTO: CarolL gets A Dark Champion

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 11 Pick:
MIKI and FREDAMANS get a GC

RUBYNREBA gets the Lisa Gardner Pair (through the block)
and Krystal gets To Die For by Linda Howard

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 reading but not while eating! Happy Thanksgiving next week!
Image found at Pinterest..

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


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)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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)
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
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


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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,015+ 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!

Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave

This is a gripping suspense thriller
Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell

UNABRIDGED
Series: Theodore Tate, Book 4
Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
Release Date: 04-26-16
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
There's a common plea detectives get from the loved ones of victims: When you find the person who did this, give me five minutes alone with them. And that's exactly what someone is doing. Someone is helping these victims get their five minutes alone.
When the body of a convicted rapist is found, the detectives try to determine if this is murder or suicide. The following night two more rapists go missing. It's hard to investigate when everyone on the police force seems to be rooting for the killer. But when innocent people start to die, two detectives find themselves with different objectives, and soon they're battling something they never would've expected: each other.
©2014 Paul Cleave (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Detective Inspector Theodore Tate has recently come back on the force after a suspension and an injury that left him in a coma. He has his own sorrows at home as he and his wife are still grieving the death of their young daughter by a drunk driver. Although three years has passed, Tate’s wife is unable to stay in reality and accept their daughter’s death. But personal troubles can’t keep Tate home when murder comes calling.

Tate gets the call from his partner, Rebecca Kent, advising that a recently released rapist has been found on the railway tracks. Although this death might be a suicide, there are some details that don’t fit. Tate and Kent agree that the world is better with this man dead, but they suspect foul play. Unfortunately, the first suspect is the young woman who was brutally assaulted and raped by the dead man. When they visit her at home she responds reasonably but Tate finds clues that he doesn’t share right away. Even if she was involved, she would have had to have help.

Soon there are more deaths involving other criminals. No one will miss these miscreants but that doesn’t mean the police can ignore the crimes. It appears there is a vigilante killer and some clues make them suspect that a police officer may be involved. Tate and Kent are a good team working to unravel the mysteries while providing emotional support for each other.

I have never thought I would want ‘five minutes alone’ to confront someone who hurt a person that I loved, but, thank goodness I have never been in that position. I know many people, particularly men, who have threatened violence if someone hurt their spouse or children. That is the premise of this book and it is interesting how different victims respond when offered the opportunity to hurt the men who hurt them or their loved ones.

The vigilante who is giving this opportunity is an interesting character. He starts as a person who has lost all sense of living until he hears that a former criminal is out on parole and back in the neighborhood. Slowly his involvement with the criminals and victims brings him a new purpose, even though he feels some guilt and anger as he knows what he is doing is not legal. He continues partially seeking redemption and partly because he figures he is living on borrowed time anyway.

The story is told in alternating voices which I found worked well. Tate speaks in first person when he is active in a scene while other scenes are told in third person. Mr. Cleave does a good job developing the characters and sharing their inner conflicts as they weigh legal right and wrong, and legal justice against private justice. There is some violence woven in the twisting plot. I admit I began to worry that the story would not end well for Tate. I won’t say more except that there were more twists and a suitable, if not fully satisfying, ending. (Of course it’s hard to have a HEA for a murder thriller!)

The pacing and details of the story made it move along well even though it is more police investigation than chase and action. There is plenty of suspense and I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy this genre. This was fine as a standalone as I hadn’t read any of the prior books in the series. I would like to read more by Mr. Cleave.


Audio Notes: Paul Ansdell does a spot on job with narration. He manages to convey the pathos, anguish, anger and doubt that run through the story. His accent fits the setting and characters and makes for an enjoyable listen experience.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It adds to my Audio Challenge.