Sunday Words of Encouragement April 22, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher continued a message on Christians and sin. Service began with lovely worship and then Pastor proceeded with his Sermon series on Relationsslips. This series addresses the question: “How do we navigate live in a Godly way?”

Last week’s message dealt with Guilt – a debt that “I owe you”.
Last week’s Point: Confession is the way to relieve the weight of guilt.

Pastor stated that he has a video of his daily plan, but it often gets interrupted. This causes frustration. When we tie our hopes and dreams to someone else, it creates Expectations. Expectations that aren’t met create problems. [We need to learn to put our trust in God, not others. Psalm 37:1-5, 8.]

Family and friends include expectations. When they, or others, don’t meet our expectations, a new debt is created. Now it is a “you owe me” debt. Sometimes there are few solutions. How do these debts ever get paid? Most of the debts owed to us can never be repaid.


The only way to get rid of disappointment, bitterness and anger is to cancel the debt. Do not let them continue to control your anger. While in prison Paul wrote: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:31.

Point: Just as God has forgiven you of your unpayable debt, so you must forgive the unpayable debt of others.

You have the power to set yourself free from disappointment and anger. Matthew 6:14-15.
Look at your calendar and make a specific date to declare your freedom by forgiving the debt owed to you.
1. Identify who you think owes you a death.
2. State what (you perceive) they owe
3. Cancel the debt by speaking forgiveness.
4. Dismiss it so it does not continue to poison or taint your feelings.

I found this song that I think fits perfectly!

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Lord, reveal to me any bitterness I hold toward others and help me to forgive and release it. I give you Praise and Thanks for Your great loving example!

Sharing Beyond Books #342 Comment Giveaway April 21, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Aargh! I turned around and it is already three weeks into April! I am going to continue to post this event biweekly (every other week) for now. My work is so hectic that I appreciate the break every other weekend. Thank you for understanding and continuing to participate.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Four commenters are the only readers in their household. Four others are lucky that everyone reads! Four are the biggest readers in their families and three more have others in the family that read too. I like that Linda's took to reading as the youngest in a family who all read.

The Winner from SBB #341 comments is: #8 Elizabeth 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 #342

(One Question.)

Rubynreba asks: Would you step in if you felt your adult child was being overly strict with your grandchild who is a teenager?? [If you are closer to teen years or have siblings with children we would still like your thoughts on the question.]

I can certainly see that this could be sensitive. My grandkids are just reaching the teen years and so far troubles have been minimal. (Praise God.) We are close enough with our children that I can see me speaking my piece as gently as I could. Being careful not to speak in front of the young person - just as we were told not to disagree with our spouse in front of the kids. (And no, we did not always keep to that rule when we should have.)

Image found at Pinterest.

<<<Who else remembers these rules?
 Image also found at Pinterest from German Gift Outlet.


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.
Questions this month were provided by CarolL and Rubynreba who each get $2.50 toward GC or 1/2 book credit.

Your turn to share. Rubynreba asks: Would you step in if you felt your adult child was being overly strict with your grandchild who is a teenager??

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 May 5, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Dog Training the American Male by Steve Alten

This romantic comedy has its moments.

Dog Training the American Male
by Steve Alten

Website: here
ISBN: 978-1-943957-00-2
Publication Date: February 14, 2018 (Orig. Release September 2016; under LA Knight)
Pages: 262
Price: $4.99 (Kindle Version)
Publisher: WJM Books, an Imprint of A&M Publishing, LLC.
ASIN: B01LQU0TTO
Genre: Humor, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Meet Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor who hosts a local radio show called Love's a Beach. One problem: The relationship guru cant seem to make her own relationships work, sending her credibility and ratings into the toilet. Meet Jacob Cope, a walking thesaurus of phobias -- a Lehman Brothers casualty who's lost his job and swagger and now yearns to be a ventriloquist. When Nancy and Jacob are set up on a blind date and hit it off, their siblings, desperate to be rid of them, encourage the young couple to move in together. When the honeymoon stage abruptly ends, Jacob attempts to mend the fence by adopting a dog; a big dog and Nancy flips out . . . until she realizes the dog trainer's techniques can be used to housebreak Jacob and save her radio career.

Review:
Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor, hosts a radio show called Love’s a Beach. She also leads several private counsel groups, most of which are dwindling. Nancy has a major problem because she hasn’t had a successful relationship to serve as example. She has made bad choices in boyfriends who have been unfaithful liars and thieves.

Jacob Cope is a former Lehman Brothers’ financial guru who lost his job, perks and status with the economic crash. He has occasionally lived in an old van but is currently in his brother’s guest house. Jacob hopes to move to comedy work as a ventriloquist with his primary dummy, a George Bush dummy.

Nancy and Jacob are set up by their siblings who are eager to get them out of their living arrangements. The two hit it off and are encouraged by their siblings to move in together. It only takes a few days for Nancy to be unhappy with Jacob’s male behaviors: smelly shoes dropped at the door, toilet seat left up, expectations of being waited on. Jacob gets a dog hoping to appease Nancy and refocus her attention. The dog isn’t a cute, little Bichon but a large, untrained German Shepard.

Nancy arranges training for the dog which turns out to provide material for her show. Ratings really pick up as Nancy describes using the dog training techniques to train her man. Meanwhile there are a couple eccentric women, including one of Nancy’s bosses, who are chasing Jacob and bribing him with work engagements.

The book is promoted as romantic comedy and it is funny. My problem was wading through the first half of the book. Jacob’s brother is a gynecologist and the beginning is full of gutter language and crude, tasteless sexual banter. I came close to stopping at 12%, then 25%. I think I am glad that I pushed through because there was fun as the book progressed. The description of the impact of the job loss on Jacob creates a good picture of a fallen executive. There are also some very good psychological tips that I really like. There were scenes set on a fancy boat in the Boca Raton Inlet that I could relate to. On the other hand there were several sexual scenes that made me want to puke. I find it is interesting this was written by a man but it is doubtful I would try another book by this author. I am sure there are readers who will enjoy the fun of this; just be prepared for the grit and crudeness.

Source: Ralina Shaw PR. This will qualify for a 2018 title on my Alphabet Challenge list.

GIVEAWAY provided by the publisher through Ralina Shaw PR:

One Hardcopy Print Book (with the older cover) (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review or (b) visit the author's website and tell me something you found there.

* This contest is open to US only for the hardback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 5, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb

This has warm romance to offset a creepy killer.
Portrait in Death
In Death, book 16
By: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Series: In Death, Book 16
Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-06-13
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey Street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered. Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitality - in one fateful shot....
©2003 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
This episode kicks off with Eve looking forward to peace at home as Roark’s majordomo, Summerset, is set to leave on vacation. A misstep causes a delay in that happy plan.

Eve gets a dead body tip from her reporter friend, Nadine. They stand at odds when Eve first refuses Nadine access at the crime scene and then demands that Nadine turn over any files and photos she has regarding the killing.

The photos show a young woman staged as a model – in death. Eve has no witnesses, but several suspects emerge as they pick apart the photos. She must discover an artist obsessed with capturing the innocence and vitality of his victims.

While Eve is busy investigating, Roarke learns a disturbing bit of his own history that causes him to withdraw into himself. The resulting tension and make up scenes are a strong part of this book. JD Robb (Nora Roberts) does an exquisite job of conveying Roarke’s pain, anger and withdrawal. Eve has to fight to get him to share what he has learned. Then, as he has often supported her, she must make an effort to be there when he needs her. This was a wonderfully warm romance element during the investigation of a twisted killer.

The usual great dialogue rapport is present between Eve and Roarke and with Eve’s team members, Peabody, McNab, Baxter and Feeney. There are also moments with Nadine, Summerset and Mavis. All fun and feisty. There is some bad language and of course grittiness related to murders. Still, this provides engaging characters with new mysteries in each book. I recommend the series to those who enjoy strong female detectives hunting down twisted killers.

Audible Notes: Susan Ericksen is the voice of these characters. She portrays each with a unique voice and energy suitable to their character. It is a pleasure to listen to this series which sometimes keeps me up too late. As always, this is great entertainment and narrated with skill and personality.

Source: Audible 2016 sale purchase. This qualifies for Audiobook, TBR and "P" for my Alphabet Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 20, 2018

Happy Friday!

I am so tired tonight after two day conference, 7 hours travel yesterday and half day trial today.
I am nodding over my keyboard! 
I didn't get a new box last week - I hope to this Saturday.

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 April 13 Pick. There was 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 no titles blocked.
AUTO: Carol L gets Between the Devil and Desire

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 13 Pick:
MARJORIE gets a GC and
ASHFA 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, 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.}

Oh how I would love a spring of books!
Image found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

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 1,157+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!