Sunday Words of Encouragement June 19, 2016 - Happy Father's Day

This morning both our Sunday School teacher (SST) and our Pastor spoke on Father’s Day issues. SST, focused on God’s nature as “love”. He came home earlier in the week to find his young dog, Bodie, hiding under the table. He realized that the dog might have had an accident with his ‘business’ and, sure enough, the owner got to do the ‘paper work’. After completing the clean-up, Bodie looked at him with sad, remorseful eyes. SST called Bodie over to give him pet hugs and assurance of forgiveness. Just then SST heard God say to him: “That’s the way I am.” He has contemplated the message all week. We, in our fleshly world, mess up all the time, but our Heavenly Father loves us so much -- each one of us -- that He sent His own son to clean up our messes and, even more than that, to take our punishment. Each time we mess up He is ready to forgive us and show His never ending love to us. God’s great love is beyond our understanding. 1 John 3:1.

Our Pastor preached on the importance of a Father’s love and presence. He noted statistics about the fatherless which show that they are:

• the majority of murders
•  ½ of the state prison population
•  abuse drugs 
•  tend to be school drop outs
•  commit rapes
•  tend toward violent behavior and 
•  have a high incidence of suicide

The proper role of fathers is to model the love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father. Sons grow up looking for identity. If they do not have a father figure at home, they often seek a “tribe” or gang.

Gary Smalley and John Trent share parenting insights in their book The Blessing. They presented four ingredients needed to make children secure and able to grow into normal, functioning adults.
1. Meaningful touch;
2. Spoken message of affection and love;
3. Assurance of their value; and
4. Vision of a wonderful future.

Parents who train up their children with these elements, encouraging the strengths and skills of the individual child, raise up responsible adults and leaders. Our Heavenly Father gives us undeserved love through His amazing grace. This is what men (and women) should be and pass on to their children: a Godly example.

This is an older hymn that I have long loved. 

The Love of God by F. M. Lehman,
incorporating the poem written by a Jewish poet in 1050 as the third verse.

A Verse for Today:
1 John 3:1 NIV
1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

I thank God for faithful fathers everywhere, and especially for those who strive to show God’s awesome example of unconditional love to His children.

Sharing Beyond Books #257 Comment Giveaway June 18, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week and "Welcome" to another new visitor.

Becky and I are the only ones who like to read seasonally, at least sometimes. Five commenters do not read seasonally at all (two do not have seasons); eight others do not read seasonally EXCEPT they like to read Christmas books at Christmas time. SueF does like to read "holiday" titles at the time of holidays, but not otherwise seasonally.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #255 comments is:#9 bn100 and The Winner from SBB #256 comments is: #1 Mystica 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 #257

(One Question.)

Rubynreba asks: Have you passed on your love of books to your children and grandchildren??

If there was a book gene I would pass it on! I have certainly encouraged my children and grandchildren to read. My husband was/is not a reader (he's the "I'll wait for the movie" guy) but he recognized the importance and has also encouraged the kids. He just doesn't encourage them to read as much as I do and for the most part they don't -- except our three and one half year old SweetPea. She doesn't get just one book to read but at least three. Five is even better. She is already an active library patron.

Our oldest grandchild, 12 year old Z, gets books through Scholastic book drives at school (thanks often to contributions from grandmom). He reads a variety of books including adventure, sports and series like 39 Clues and Harry Potter.

This is our Sweetpea's Montessori School picture. See? A chip off the grandma block!

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:
Rubynreba asks: Have you passed on your love of books to your children and grandchildren??

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 June 25, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 17, 2016

Happy Friday!
This has been an awkward week for us which I will be explaining in a post later this weekend. Due to some major distractions plus health concerns for my hubby, my week has been disjointed. I did not get to pull together a new set of books and that will have to wait for another day/week. 
Also, for all my foreign friends, I have not forgotten you. I totaled all of the wins last weekend and will be sending out PayPal, Amazon GCs or your "saved" balances info this weekend. Thanks for being patient.

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 June 10 Pick. There was no 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 was one blocked title.
AUTO: NONE

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 10 Pick (two GCs again this week):
Miki gets a GC

Natlaija also 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.}

It is lovely that countries around the world can celebrate Reading Days.

Image found at DC Books

New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

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:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

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


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

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

SINGLES:
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
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
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)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
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
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


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 six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 967+ 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!

Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens

I was more engaged with this installment and really enjoyed all the dangers navigated by Ivy and her friends.
Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4
Written by: E.J. Stevens
Narrated by: Melanie A. Mason, Anthony Bowling

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
Series: Ivy Granger, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-12-16
Publisher: Sacred Oaks
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranomral, Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Being a faerie princess isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Ivy must go to Faerie, but the gateway to the Wisp Court is through Tech Duinn, the house of Donn - Celtic god of the dead. Just her luck.
Unable to share her secret with Jinx, and with Jenna called away on Hunters' Guild business, Ivy must rely on Ceff and Torn to lead her to Death's door, literally, and back again. As if that wasn't dangerous enough, there's no saying what horrors lay in store within the Faerie realm. Too bad the Wisp Court is the one lead Ivy has in the search for her father - and possible salvation.
Maybe hiding away and dodging sidhe assassins isn't so bad after all.
Birthright is the fourth full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens. The world of Ivy Granger, including the Ivy Granger Psychic Detective series and Hunters' Guild series, is filled with action, paranormal mystery, magic, dark humor, quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, flirtatious demons, sarcastic gargoyles, sexy shifters, temperamental witches, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines.
©2015 E.J. Stevens (P)2016 E.J. Stevens

Review:
Ivy has saved Jinx but she has to leave her behind protected by Forneus. Ivy can’t tell them where she is going as she sets off to follow the clues to find her father. She cannot continue to hide out pretending to be dead so she has to find a way to convince the Faerie court to drop their death order on her. Ceff and Torn are by Ivy’s side to face the dangers as they journey through Faerie land. If they can travel through the water and the forest safely, they hope to find the house of the Celtic god of the dead. If he does attack first, they hope to find the secret door to Wisp.

Each step poses its own dangers and surprises. Some channels recognize Ivy’s blood as the royal blood of her father the former King of the Wisps – this could be for good or ill.

I really liked the dynamics between Ivy and Ceff which is growing deeper. Torn is along to add his usually snark and insouciance. Although there seems to be a little repetition within the story, there is plenty of action that keeps the story moving at a good pace. We meet new characters, some villains and some friends. There is a new hearth brownie who is an especially fun addition. Ivy has to go through heartache and the twists in the story are well done as dark secrets are revealed.

Now that I have read books 3 and 4, I do want to read more in the series. I have book 1 for Kindle so I will get to that at some point. I recommend this series to urban fantasy fans who enjoy adventures in the mixed world of humans and paranormals (although this one is mostly paranormals).

Audio Notes: I have to admit that I didn’t realize that Anthony Bowling was not the same male narrator as Book 3. He did a fine job with the numerous male characters while Melanie A. Mason continued to a portray the females with distinct voices. Mason manages to convey Ivy’s pain as well as her strengths. The narration definitely enhances the story experience for me.

I received this audiobook from the author for an honest review. It adds to my Audio Challenge. Please check my review of Burning Bright, Book 3 and don’t miss the Giveaway feature.

Giveaway Celebrating Audiobook Month and Audio Release of Birthright, Ivy Granger Book 4

[Please see the prior post for MBS review of Burning Bright, Ivy Granger Book 3. Review of Birthright will be posted tomorrow.]
FROM E.J. Stevens:
Happy Audiobook Month!  To celebrate Audiobook Month and the audio release of BIRTHRIGHT, the fourth full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, we're giving away an Ivy Granger swag pack.

Birthright (Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective #4) by E.J. Stevens, narrated by Melanie Mason and Anthony Bowling.

Being a faerie princess isn't what it's cracked up to be...

Ivy must go to Faerie, but the gateway to the Wisp Court is through Tech Duinn, the house of Donn—Celtic god of the dead. Just her luck.

Unable to share her secret with Jinx, and with Jenna called away on Hunters' Guild business, Ivy must rely on Ceff and Torn to lead her to Death's door, literally, and back again. As if that wasn't dangerous enough, there's no saying what horrors lay in store within the Faerie realm. Too bad the Wisp Court is the one lead Ivy has in the search for her father—and possible salvation.

Maybe hiding away and dodging sidhe assassins isn't so bad after all.


BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, finalist for Best Cover, PRG Reviewer's Choice Award finalist for Best Urban Fantasy Series, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel.

Buy Now at Amazon, iTunes, Audible UK, and Audible.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Whispersync for Voice Ready

Add to Goodreads.

About the Author:

E.J. Stevens is the author of the HUNTERS' GUILD urban fantasy series,the SPIRIT GUIDE young adult series, the award-winning IVY GRANGER urban fantasy series, and the upcoming the DARK ARCANA urban fantasy series.She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines.

BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best YoungAdult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.

When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

About the Narrators:

Melanie A. Mason is a voice actress known for Ghost Hunt, Fairy Tale, Blassreiter, and Case Closed.
Anthony Bowling is a voice actor knownfor Samurai 7, Baka and Test, Sekirei, Ultimate Otaku Teacher, Is This A Zombie?, and The Devil is a Part-Timer.

Birthright Audiobook Release Swag Giveaway

We are giving away a button, pen, custom earbuds, and a signed Birthright mini poster to one lucky winner!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends June 29, 2016.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens

The primary character in this fun listen has a lot of sass and courage.

Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3
Written by: E.J. Stevens
Narrated by: Melanie A. Mason, David Wilson Brown

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
Series: Ivy Granger, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-20-15
Publisher: Sacred Oaks
Genre: Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Burning down the house....
Things are not going well at the offices of Private Eye. Jinx is having demon problems, the city is overrun with pyromaniacal imps, and Ivy's wisp powers are burning out of control, attracting the attention of both the Seelie and Unseelie courts.
Along came a faerie queen.... It's the worst possible time for the Green Lady to call in a favor, but Ivy's bound by her deal with the glaistig. Too bad there's no wiggle room in faerie bargains.
Ivy must rid the city of imps, keep Jinx from murdering her one solid link to Hell, and fulfill her bargain with the Green Lady - with sidhe assassins hot on her tail.
Just another day's work for Ivy Granger, psychic detective.
©2014 E.J. Stevens (P)2015 E.J. Stevens

Review:

Ivy Granger has a very unique, and rather difficult psychic gift which has helped her build a successful Private Eye business. Ivy and her assistant, Jinx, usually stay busy with the business but Ivy has been distracted spending funds and energy trying to find her father. Meanwhile Jinx has gotten trapped in a life-draining situation. To save Jinx Ivy makes a bargain with the Green Lady which requires Ivy to kill Kaye, a powerful witch who has helped Ivy and become a friend.

Ivy is half human and half ‘wisp’ princess. She was abandoned by her father, the King of the Wisps, so she never learned how to control her abilities. The current, ruling faerie court view her as a risk to maintaining the secrets of the paranormals in the human world. Accordingly, they have sent an enforcement team to “eliminate” her.

Not only is Ivy dealing with these personal issues but suddenly fires are popping up all over the city. Ivy has discovered that pyromaniacal, demon imps have gotten loose and she needs help to stop them. Along the way to that task Ivy rescues a “runt” of a fire imp who is being played with by the clan of Cats.

Ivy gets support from her boyfriend, Ceffyl, who is the local Kelpie King. She also gets backup from another “ally”, if not exactly a friend, Torn, the leader of the Cats. Ivy also calls on Forneus who is a demon lawyer -- as in a lawyer who happens to be a demon. Ivy doesn’t exactly trust Forneus, but she knows he is interested in Jinx and will help protect her if they can rescue.

Ivy needs to find a way to kill Kaye without really killing her while also keeping herself from being killed so she can save Jinx from her kidnapper and save the city from burning. The tasks all blend together and keep Ivy and her 'friends' on the run in creative and dangerous situations.

Even as Ivy stumbles through some of her exploits, I soon realized that being a rescuer is a big part of who she is. I liked the steady support from her strong water Kelpie boyfriend, Ceff, and the flirty, suggestive snipes from Torn and Forneus which add another fun element to the mix. You might not think a demon is cute, but little imp “Sparky” is really an adorable character with an importance that Ivy didn’t know when she saved him. I am expecting/hoping he will grow into a helpful member of the team. There are other fun characters, including Father Michael, Humphrey the Gargoyle and a  mischievous hearth brownie.

I might have more easily and more quickly related to the characters if I had read/listened to the first two books of the series. However, I think I finally adjusted to them and was able to pick up on the important characters, elements and tensions as presented in this third book. I enjoyed the fun and by the end I was looking forward to listening to the current release, Birthright (which I enjoyed even more than book 3 - review coming soon).

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the team narration by Melanie A. Mason and David Wilson Brown. Melanie presents the female characters and aspects and David adds depth and counterbalance with the male characters. They both did a good job with the different character voices and the teamwork made the narration a fuller experience which I liked.

I received this audiobook from the author for an honest review. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Please see the next post for a GIVEAWAY CELEBRATING AUDIOBOOK MONTH and RELEASE OF IVY GRANGER BOOK 4!

Sunday Post June 12, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 13, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This week was better in the office. Heather was back and Meghan was out visiting her mother. I am still playing catch up but getting better I think.
We are still having warm weather with on and off rain.

I did pretty well with reading and got at least three reviews posted, one with giveaway and another with guest post. I finished three books --two audio and one ebook. I posted my usual memes, with an extra Sharing Beyond Books which was late.

I enjoyed visiting Monday and Tuesday nights but didn't get back after that.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 5, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 6, 2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #255 Comment Giveaway June 7, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/11/2016; extended to 6/14/16.

• Audio Book Review: The Arrival: The Evaran Chronicles Prequel by Adair Hart; Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Resilience by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 10, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/16/2016.

• Guest Post: Scribbling or Writing by Mannah Pierce.

• Book Review: Cast Adrift by Mannah Pierce; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #256 Comment Giveaway June 11, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/18/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 12, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (iRead)

Regina Shen: Resilience
by Lance Erlick
My review is linked above.
I received four books for this tour;
through iReads Book Tours.
The next review will be 6/23.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABB)

Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1
Written by: K.B. Owen
Narrated by: Becket Royce
I enjoyed this engaging historical mystery.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (Author)

Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4
Written by: E.J. Stevens
Narrated by: Melanie A. Mason, Anthony Bowling
I liked this second book, full of Ivy sass and action, even more than the first.
I will be hosting the tour Giveaway and review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author/Publicist)

Guardian of Paradise
by W.E. Lawrence
I enjoyed Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley and I am glad to read another adventure by this author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABJ)

Beware the Little White Rabbit
Written by: Shannon Delany, Judith Graves
Narrated by: Rhiannon Angell
I am looking forward to listening to this collection.
I received this audio through
Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Curiosity often leads to trouble....
Thirteen powerful voices in young adult fiction invite you to journey into startling new wonderlands in this nod to the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's timeless character, Alice.
Mystery. Madness. Mayhem...
Each story in this collection will intrigue, bewitch, and enchant. Through rich historicals, castles and keeps, wild wormholes, secret workshops, deadly plagues, and gritty urban explorations, we present new tales of Alice and her white rabbit.
Whether an intrepid reporter, a would-be car thief, or the last human in a world ruled by machines, at the heart of each story Alice is a girl discovering who she really is in worlds that never fail to surprise.
What wonders await, oh curious listener? Leap down the rabbit hole and discover the truth....
Contributing authors: Charlotte Bennardo, C. Lee McKenzie, David Turnbull, Christine Norris, Jacqueline Horsfall, Medeia Sharif, Laura Lascarso, Tom Luke, Jessica Bayliss, Crystal Schubert, Holly Odell, Jennifer Moore, and Liam Hogan
©2015 Leap Books (P)2015 Leap Books

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Laos File (The Shake Davis Series)
by Dale Dye
I was invited to read this and it sounds interesting.
Military Writers Society of America 2011 Book Award winner: From the bestselling author of Platoon comes a military thriller about one Marine’s quest to leave no POW behind.
The death of a salty old senior noncommissioned officer who ran special operations in Vietnam leads US Marine Gunner Shake Davis on a shocking and potentially lethal mission to find out what happened to hundreds of American prisoners of war. Written by bestselling author Dale A. Dye and based on Oliver Stone’s classic film.
With “plenty of action and lots of military detail” (Vietnam Veterans of America), Laos File is a great read for fans of Tom Clancy and W. E. B. Griffin.

4. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death
Written by: Carmen DeSousa
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
This sounds like an engaging mystery.
I received this from the narrator.
Publisher's Summary
When what seems like a normal pit stop turns into more than just gas and food, a lost traveler finds himself searching for the truth of a 20-year-old mystery.
Detective Gino Canale doesn't believe in a hereafter, let alone ghosts looking for closure. But when his reoccurring dream implies that his grandparents' deaths might actually have been homicides, not to mention that he's hearing bells that don't exist and smelling a pipe when no one is smoking, he realizes he's either connecting to the other side - or going crazy.
And he's not sure which thought scares him more.
©2012, 2016 Carmen DeSousa (P)2016 Carmen DeSousa

June 5, 2016 - Current with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week so I still have four pending reviews due.

I am finally getting to the five nine, now seven nine (again) back to five four author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates.
My NetGalley shelves are back up to seven with one of those pulled in this week.

I have two upcoming releases going up on eTreasure's NetGalley this week.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This week I received three ebook titles, two from NetGalley and one from the author.
I resisted kindle titles other than the usual free ones.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I was invited to read these two titles through NetGalley:

A License to Wed
by Diana Quincy
"...a sizzling tale of forbidden love between a socialite and a scholar—who might just be an infamous spy."

Machinations
by Hayley Stone
"...action-packed science-fiction debut introduces a chilling future and an unforgettable heroine."

I received this title from the author:

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1)
by Mark Nolan
"...a gripping thriller is full of suspense, plot twists and surprises."

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I only added 38 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 12, 2016

Once again we had a good Sunday School, wonderful worship and nice service. Then we enjoyed a nice fellowship lunch together as a church family.

Pastor’s sermon was titled "When to Ask and When to Believe?" First, he reminded us not to allow ourselves to be dulled to God’s blessings. The he directed us to John 16 where Jesus gave “prayer promises”. Jesus was instructing the apostles to ask the Father in the name of Jesus. We ask in two ways: by way of inquiry and for assistance. Once Jesus left this earthly life, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) came to speak and intercede on our behalf. The Holy Spirit knows the mind of the Father. We are to ask, receive and our joy can be complete. John 16:24.

Ask in prayer, believe that you have received, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24. God gives gifts but man does not always use the gifts as given – to be shared in love. All our worldly power is nothing without Love. 1 Corinthians 13:2.

I feel compelled to add a requirement as directed in 1 John 5:14: ask according to His will.
(See lesson on Three Keys to Effective Prayer by Paul J. Bucknell.)
This is consistent with Luke 11:9.
Ask -- in prayer;
Seek -- according to His will;
Knock -- by faith believe you will receive the promise.

This is the wonderful song I was led to use today: Testify to Love!

A Verse for Today
1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

Lord, please help me to love my neighbors/others as myself. Help me always, in every circumstance, to show your great love and mercy.

[An extra word: Happy Birthday to my sister! I thank God that we share a strong faith.]

Sharing Beyond Books #256 Comment Giveaway June 11, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Since the last SBB (#256) post was late I will allow it to run through 6/14/16.
I am working on this a bit earlier than some nights after a full day at work.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week and "Welcome" to another new visitor.

There were ten comments, eleven counting mine. Seven are not interested in buddy reading. Several (at least four) never heard of the concept. Two commented that the concept is interesting but seems good especially for children.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #255 comments is: TBA after 6/14 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 #256

(One Question.)

Infuse asks: Do you read seasonally? eg - summer/fall/winter/spring themes at the time you're reading??

I like this question. Yes, I like to read seasonally. Maybe not as much as I would like but I like to pick spring, summer, fall and winter titles to read during those seasons. I have even started a collection of books for monthly, I just don't get the time to do the reading. Maybe I'll make it part of my reading goals for next year.

Image found at Girl in the Pages

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:
Infuse asks: Do you read seasonally? eg - summer/fall/winter/spring themes at the time you're reading??

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 June 18, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Cast Adrift by Mannah Pierce

There is really good world building in this gripping story.
Cast Adrift
by Mannah Pierce

File Size: 804 KB
Print Length: 451 pages
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing (May 8, 2015)
ASIN: B00X2ZZ8NY
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Cast Adrift is the first part of a science fiction saga set in an interstellar world of the far future where Earth is merely a myth. Ean is queen of the Willow, a small ship with a Traditional crew who live in space and trade between the stars. Suddenly Tre, the laid back crew enforcer, is demanding that they dash to one system to pick up cabin boys and then divert to another to recruit an adolescent who is utterly unsuited to spacer life. Who is Jax? What is Rae? Why is the most powerful individual in Known Space interested in Kip? Most importantly, what is Tre up to?

Review:
Jax is a young boy of twelve who has arrived at an age, as well as a circumstance, that requires him to sign on as crew for a spaceship and train to become a 'spacer' who can defend himself. His wealthy family made arrangements so there should be a Traditional crew that will bid for him or accept him. The difference between a “Traditional” crew and one that is not, is important. Traditional crews consist of all males but they have strict rules of integrity that protect the young unlike other ships. Plus, the right ship for Jax has an agent on board who knows Jax’s true identity. Jax gets the signal from “Tres” the enforcer on the Willow. Jax brings along another young street rat, Rae, who is a hybrid 'cat' with an unknown defect.

Now Jax and Rae are cabin boys on the crew of the Willow. The queen on the ship is Ean who has the perfect, caring personality and organizational skills to manage a successful crew. Jax is a quick learner with an educated background and incentive to train. Rae is a fast, street smart scamp who is surprised and thrilled to have the first friend of his life. The crew adds a medico friend of Tres and also collects a fourteen-year-old boy, Kip. The other members of the crew do not understand why Tres, who clearly has his own secrets, has encouraged them to pick up Kip. But Tres has information that this boy is special too.

Danger waits as there are those who are seeking Jax and many who will sell him out. And that may include betrayers within the crew once they learn who he is. As the crew tries to dodge danger, it stalks them...and finally catches up.

Ms. Pierce has a gift for world building and I found this writing wonderfully creative and remarkable. The plot is well laid out and consistent in the details and growth. There are also some subtle double meanings and twists that added to the overall package. Granted, I was not thrilled about the homosexual nature of the crews but I understand how it is an important element of the dynamics among the characters. The issue was handled with dignity and not in a prurient way.

I couldn’t help being rather enthralled with the story. I feel vested with the characters and I don’t think I can resist reading the next book and finding out what happens. I certainly recommend this to readers who love unique and well written science fiction.

I received this title through Publishing Push and the author. Don't miss the author's interesting guest post that will give you some background on her writing and her story development!

Biography of Mannah Pierce
Mannah Pierce has been building her imaginary interstellar world of the far future, story by story, for four decades. At the age of fifty she decided to try sharing it with readers online and then, five years later, spurred by the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, she wrote and had published Cast Adrift, her first fiction book.

In the everyday world, Mannah Pierce was a scientist and teacher but now works for a charity. She has been married for over thirty years and, predictably, likes cats.

Read more about her journey as an author: http://www.mannahpierce.com/blog.html.

Guest Post: Scribbling or Writing by Mannah Pierce

Scribbling or writing?

I always used to call my fiction ‘scribbles’. The stories were written by me, for me. I never allowed anyone to read them. They were a physical manifestation of my imagination. Every so often I would open a notebook or a file and read it, like other people look at photographs.

Then I turned fifty. After four decades I was ready to make the next step. I would write a book with a beginning, a middle, an end and readers.

The world was easy; my imaginary world of the far future. Earth is a merely a myth, traces of which appear in languages and cultures. Humans have spread across outer space along routes linked by ‘holes’. Countless human civilizations have prospered and then declined. Some were restricted to a single planet. Others cut a swathe across Known Space.

Characters were more difficult. I knew that the main characters in my scribbles were a bit too perfect. Even if they have been damaged by past events, they rose above it. They preferred solving problems to creating them. They built rather than destroyed.

So I created Jax. I am three books in and I still do not know how Jax will turn out. Like his father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather, Jax was conceived and raised to be a hereditary dictator. His task, like theirs, is to unite the clan. His great-grandfather was a megalomaniac. His grandfather was a monster. His father murdered two of his sons for political gain. All three were utterly ruthless. Could any or all of the three have been like Jax when they were young?

The other main characters are easier for me to write: Rae with his shadowy origins and non-human genes; Tre whose life was destroyed by Jax’s father and yet is sworn to protect Jax; Ean with his unflinching determination, limitless patience and clear-sighted morality; Kip who is intent on living his own life rather than becoming a weapon of mass destruction.

My characters are human so they behave like people today; like people have ever since Homo sapiens became a species. They have to balance personal wants, even love, with responsibilities. They are influenced by the cultures in which they are raised. They make decisions that they have to live with, some of which they regret.

As for the themes, they are familiar. What is family? Is humanity a matter of genome or behaviour? Are some people more valuable than others? Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?

So now there is a book, Cast Adrift, and it is published. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. Will it have readers? Will you be one of them?

I invite you to my imaginary world (www.mannahpierce.com).

I appreciate this candid post shared by Ms. Pierce. Now that you have learned a little bit of the characters, please see my review of this gripping Sci Fi story - next post.