Sunday Words of Encouragement February 19, 2017

Once again, our Sunday School teacher shared a good lesson/message from Gary Wilkerson based on text from Titus. We learned some new worship songs and Pastor continued his sermons series on When Faith and Life Collide.

Continuing with James 2:14 -26, Pastor noted that some things were made for each other, they just fit or go together. Such ‘matings’ are often deemed to validate our reason to be.
Faith and works are like that. James 2:17 says that ‘faith without works is dead’. If you have faith but have no action, what good is it? if you are not driven to action, your faith is useless.
James discusses the examples of Abraham and Rahab. These are special people mentioned in the old and new testaments. The both showed their faith by their actions in trusting God.

Sermon Point We are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

The accompanying action validates our faith. What does God want you to sacrifice to validate your faith? We have to be ready to follow His plan not our own. Think about things in your life. Can you fill in the blank in this sentence: I trust God with _________ and this is how I show it. We must take action to validate and authenticate our faith. We need power in faith and church. Faith that is powerful can't wait to get out. What action will validate your faith this week?

I set this song aside a couple of weeks ago. I think it fits today.

Verses for Today:
James 2: 17-20 (NLT)
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[f] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

Lord, I need your power and direction each day so that I may do good deeds to show my faith.

Book Review: From London with Love: Rebellious Brides by Diana Quincy

This is quite a nice historical romance.
From London with Love: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy

File Size: 5089 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Publisher: Loveswept (February 7, 2017)
ASIN: B01GYPPMLG
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

With wedding bells ringing and a killer stalking from the shadows, a former British spy makes up for lost time with the one that got away in this thrilling Regency romance from the author of Spy Fall and License to Wed.
Emilia St. George is moments away from marrying the admired grandson of a duke when the man who once jilted her decides to kidnap her at the altar. It’s the second time in five years Hamilton Sparrow has ruined her wedding day, and Emilia isn’t about to forgive him. The mere sight of her ex-fiancé revives painful memories—and, most regrettably, aching desires that refuse to be ignored.
Scanning the guests at Emilia’s wedding, Sparrow spots a familiar face: an assassin he recognizes from his days as a spy in France. Whisking Emilia away, he’s pleasantly surprised by her newly formed curves. Could this be the same flame-haired slip of a girl once promised to Sparrow? And does the fop she still insists on marrying realize what a prize she is? True, Sparrow left Emilia at the altar. But he’s afraid that the only way to right that particular wrong is to risk the one thing he’s always guarded: his heart.

Review:
Emilia is about to marry the grandson of a duke when she is swept out of the church by Hamilton Sparrow, the man who jilted her five years before. Emilia is still hurt by Hamilton’s abandonment and she doesn’t understand why he has to ruin her second wedding even if he claims that she is the target of an assassin. The fact that a bullet flies by their heads as they flee does give some strength to Sparrow’s pronouncement.

Hamilton snatched Emilia after he spotted an assassin who he recognized from his spy activities. He was quick to react and once he finds himself protecting Emilia he feels he must solve the mystery of why she is a target. Hamilton thought he had a good reason to leave Emilia behind five years earlier, but the more time he spends with her the more he thinks that he made a mistake. Yet he loved a woman once who betrayed his trust. He doesn't plan to let that happen again.

There are several potential suspects who might want her dead, even her fiancé, although he would do better if they were married first. Ms. Quincy does a good job blending the danger and mystery with the growing relationship between Hamilton and Emilia which is warm and lovely. The characters are nicely developed and make the story more engaging. There is some fun banter but also some rather base descriptions. The couple of sexual encounters are on the visual side but still tastefully done.

The story moves quickly and I enjoyed the twists and turns that complement the romance. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance with a mix of mystery, and sweet, sexy romance.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and TBR Challenges.

Sharing Beyond Books #291 Comment Giveaway February 18, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

There seems to be a good mix of pet names and human names for pets. We now know where "Rubynreba" comes from! I got a good chuckle from Edye's hamster named Strudel! I guess that fits a multi-colored critter.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #290 comments is: #2 CAROL L 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 #291

(One Question.)

Miki asks: Aside from reading, do you craft and if yes what kind ( crochet? sewing etc?) and if you do, do you try to get books or magazine about that craft or do you go by instinct??

I do not currently have any spare time beyond reading, the blog and cross posting to Goodreads and Amazon. I do have some unfinished needlepoint projects with specific patterns. I like craft magazines and books as I am not creative enough to work by instinct. :-0

This looks like fun to have with kids!
Image found at No Time for Flash Cards. .

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: Miki asks: Aside from reading, do you craft and if yes what kind ( crochet? sewing etc?) and if you do, do you try to get books or magazine about that craft or do you go by instinct??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 February 25, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Dawn Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

This is a wonderful continuation and conclusion to a great series!

Dawn Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

File Size: 2483 KB
Print Length: 480 pages
Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2017)
ASIN: B01HB7N984
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

Review:
Pregnant Yelena and Valek are struggling to find allies to help fight the Cartel headed by Bane. The Cartel have drugged the masses of magicians and Sitians, even the Sitian army, so they believe Bane’s lies that the Commander from Ixia is planning to attack. As if that isn’t enough to worry about, Yelena needs to stay hidden as the Mosquito and other assassins have been sent to kill her. Valek sneaks out to try to remove the Mosquito only to face his own assassination attack from Onora, who has taken Valek's place as the Commander's top assassin.

Yelena and Valek have relied on help and sanctuary from Fisk and his ‘guild’ of street informers. But Fisk and his young people become targets for the enemy too. Meanwhile, Yelena’s brother Leif, his wife Mara, and Yelena’s and Leif’s father, Esau, are sure that there is a specialty plant that Bane is planning to use to further his plans for control. Before they can get to the city they are surrounded and Leif is the only one to escape.

Ari and Janco have been off on a separate mission and they have uncovered news that will be helpful if they can get it safely to Yelena and Valek. They are all too ready to jump back into the thick of things even as the allies face one dangerous situation after another. It seems almost everyone is going to risk a turn at capture and several clever rescues are required before the group can put the big rescue plan in action.

It was a joy to have all the characters, including Valek’s siblings, share in the grand scheme to save Sitia. I loved having Kiki and the other horses as active characters even if Yelena couldn’t talk to Kiki because the baby was blocking her magic. The interaction and banter among the friends – an extended family – is delightful. I liked that the love and chemistry between Yelena and Valek is clearly shared without the need for graphic scenes. I was very much impressed with how well all the details were carried forward from the earlier books and wrapped up nicely.

This has been a wonderful series and, although I was pleased with the skill of this final installment, I am sorry to see the series close. It almost makes me want to go back to the beginning and start again!

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley and TBR Challenges.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 17, 2017

Happy Friday!
We are finally feeling better - almost back to normal. Hubby sent me beautiful roses for Valentine's Day; I gave him chocolate covered strawberries - which I get to share of course!
Sorry to be late posting today. Our daughter and s-i-l went out of town to a wedding so we have the grandkids. Once we got them in bed we put out the lights so no computer time for me.
Our weather has been pretty nice all week... brisk but not too cold.
I sure hope everyone continues to stay safe through storms, flooding and fires.

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 February 10 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. There were no titles blocked.
BN100 gets The Brittany Stones

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 10 Pick:
FREDAMANS gets a GC
and
BECKY gets the Betty Neels 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.}

I got to read to the girls last night. How about you?
Image was found at LitWorld.org.

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


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.)
SINGLES:
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)


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


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


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

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


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

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
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)

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 1,037+ 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!