Sunday Words of Encouragement June 30, 2013

Our Pastor has been suffering with some health issues. He had a surgery this week which went well but he still needs healing. We are praying for you Pastor.

This morning Pastor’s son-in-law, Vince, a Pastor in a nearby county, shared a message and we had a wonderful word from the Spirit.

The central verse for the Sermon was Acts 2:2, focusing on the word “Suddenly.” Jesus told his disciples to ‘go and wait’ for the Spirit. They didn’t know what was coming but they had to step out in faith and obedience. In our lives we need to exercise faith and obedience. We need to learn not to complain about our circumstances but rather look for opportunities for God to work. God is a God of process. He reserves the right to interrupt our plans if we are moving on without his guiding hand.

When Christ’s followers gathered they heard a sound like a violent wind. Violent wind can be like a roar of waves. When God speaks his breath blows. Do not get frightened or distracted by the roar. Do not stop praying or stop your good works as the roar signifies heaven opening up, waters coming.

A ‘roar’ can also mean rumors--something about to happen. God lets news leak from heaven. Keep on and prepare yourself. Your answer is coming, the answer is on the way. Don't give up. The ‘suddenly’ is coming.

This is a message for someone. No doubt someone in our congregation this morning but maybe for someone who reads this post too.  The message shared: God has already answered your prayer in healing, deliverance and empowerment. Suddenly it will be there for you. Set your ear to hear God’s word, open your heart and prepare for your Suddenly!

I know it is July 4th week and we did sing some patriotic songs this morning. 

But none fit for this message. 

Instead I was led to this video song - Spirit Break Out

A Verse for today:
Acts 2:2 (NIV)
2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

I am excited to anticipate a 'suddenly' event in my life. Meanwhile, I pray for my county and ask God to Bless America.

Sharing Beyond Books #106 Comment Giveaway June 29, 2013

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

It's been a hot week here when it hasn't been raining.

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Our collective book reading is from 185 to 220 per month! Some as little as 1 and some as many as 22!
 
What fun to be reminded of so many childhood games: many board games like Monopoly (apparently a favorite), Scrabble, Life, Parcheesi and more; card games including Old Maids, Uno, Go Fish; and other games like Yahtzee. Not to mention the outside games like hopscotch, jump rope and tag. And early computer games like PacMan and Super Mario!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #105 comments is: #24 Nikki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #106 Questions

Q1. Emily asks: How likely are you to go out of your comfort zone when choosing a book to read? Will you give it a chance, or no way Jose???

A: I try to stretch myself now and again. Usually I will press on to finish the book. However, as I have just experienced this week, I became really uncomfortable after beginning a book and feel that I am not going to enjoy it. So I decided to give it a pass since there are so many other books waiting to be read. :-).  

 Here is a book challenge if you want to step out...

Image found at A Novel Challenge.

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you have a favorite pillow??

A: When I was young I loved my foam rubber, medium hard, pillow. I was in a rear-end car accident in my late 20s which caused some neck discomfort. As I have gotten older my neck has been a bit stiff. I now use a travel type neck pillow which I do take with me when I travel. I also use a small foam pillow under my knees which has helped reduce pain there.

My DH happens to still love a feather pillow. The kids bought him a new one to replace the old after it got yucky.

Image found at Shopping.Yahoo.com.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions. I do have a group of questions from the same submitters so if you have a question don't be afraid to ask!
JUNE QUESTIONS were contributed by Birgit, miki, nrlymrtl, Becky and Emily. Random.org winner for a book pick is BECKY!

Your turn to share:

Q1. Emily asks: How likely are you to go out of your comfort zone when choosing a book to read? Will you give it a chance, or no way Jose??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you have a favorite pillow??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the Newly June 2012 Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, July 5, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Hearts of Shadow, A Deadglass Novel, Book 2, by Kira Brady

I really like the protagonists and the intensity in this story.
Hearts of Shadow
A Deadglass Novel, The Deadglass Trilogy, book 2
By Kira Brady
Read by Xe Sands

Length 10.0 hrs • UNABRIDGED
Publisher: 2013 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 05/07/13
In this brilliant new novel in the Deadglass series, a fierce young woman’s quest entangles her in an apocalyptic endgame—and unexpected desire.

Grace Mercer’s unmatched wraith-killing ability made her the unofficial defender of a city shattered by supernatural catastrophe. So there’s no way she’ll allow the new regent of Seattle’s most powerful dragon-shifter clan to “protect” her from a vicious evil stalking the ruined streets or keep her from the freedom she’s risked everything to earn.

Leif’s science-honed instincts tell him Grace is the key to keeping shifters and humans safe, but helping this wary fighter channel her untapped power is burning away the dragon’s sensual self-control and putting a crucial alliance at risk. Soon the only chance Leif and Grace will have to save their world will be a dangerously fragile link that could forever unite their souls—or consume everything in a storm of destruction.
© 2013 by Kira Brady

Review:
Grace is a human girl whose world fell apart when demons were unleashed destroying the city (the first book). Post apocalyptic Seattle is now under the control of a powerful dragon-shifter clan, the Drekar, with an uneasy alliance–maybe–with a Native American shifter clan, the Kivati, and the extremely prejudiced human authorities. As these leaders juggle power and control, the city and their people are facing attacks from zombie humans who are being possessed by demon wraiths.

Leif is the reluctant leader of the dragon-shifters. He would rather be working on experiments in his laboratory and has been neglecting his ruling duties, or leaving them to his female high counselor, Zetian.

Grace was pulled into the control of the dragon-shifters by Sven, Leif’s manipulative and cruel brother. Sven had Grace trained as a warrior-assassin but he also made her a bond slave and used her. It wasn’t rape but lies and misguided adoration that had her in the position of a sexual partner. Grace soon learned to hate her bondage and will take on any fight to earn her way to freedom.

No one understands fully why Grace is such a powerful wraith killer although they believe part of her power is reflected by the rune tattoos that cover her lithe body. Leif is fascinated by the young woman and wants to protect her. He doesn’t know how to release the slave bond so she must continue to work off the debt. But when he forbids her to fight he unintentionally takes away her source of earnings.

The three jostling powers are threatened by a power hungry, love thwarted demi-god. As the clans struggle to find the artifacts that will defeat the demi-god, Leif struggles to get Grace to succumb, by her free choice, to their passion. Grace believes that the dragon-shifters are soulless and she has the horrible past betrayal to teach her not to trust one. But Leif continues to assault her with honor and kindness. Can the dragon and human find love and break a curse that legend says has stolen the dragon soul?

This story is very engaging with lots of action as Grace individually, and with others including the powerful dragon, Leif, battle paranormal beings and body stealing wraiths. There is quite a bit of pagan legend, including an Ishtar brothel, that has a prominent place in the story. It seemed that the mythological and pagan elements were extremely well researched and consistent for the background of the battles that rage. There is good description and development of the settings, intense action and romance. The passion is lovely with Leif’s integrity and devotion which I liked. I also  really liked the strength of Grace’s character, especially as she overcomes her past insecurities and betrayals.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Xe Sands. I felt that she portrayed Grace exceedingly on point, in intensity, frustrations and fierceness. She also did a good job getting the other characters with different voices and capturing their respectful, or not, attitudes. I'm interested to see what other stories she narrates.

I recommend this story as an entertaining, fast paced, listen.

I received this MP3 download from Blackstone Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.

Saturday Snapshot June 29, 2013 - Wet Trees

We had a storm move through town at the end of the afternoon. I thought it might be interesting to get some pictures of the yard in rain. A couple of the shots were too blurry as I was dodging rain drops but here are some that show the light through the wetness.

Side yard to the East of driveway.

Driveway looking to the West.

We have this large tree that leans toward the driveway.
My husband insists it is secure but it  makes me a bit nervous when I drive under it.
The Leaning Tree:

 I park my car a bit further to the left just out of the above picture.
Here is the tree canopy above where I park my car.
The leaning tree has that broken branch stub in the right of the picture.

As I was taking the pictures I suddenly realized my feet were getting wet.
I have this favorite pair of slip on sneakers that have worn through. :-(
My daughter is threatening to throw them away:

I hope you are staying dry!
Thanks to all who stop by and visit.

A big Thank You to Alyce at Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility. 

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 28, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday Friends!! I am sooo glad it is Friday! I had a very busy, tense week with several end of month closings.  (I've added another group of books this week.)

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the  international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the June 21 Pick. There was ONE Automatic win this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Most of the titles were blocked by multiple picks this week -- a couple of books are quite popular. :-)

bn100 gets Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 21 Pick:
A lucky day for gift cards.

Fredamans gets a GC - 

Darklittle Dancer 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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Now doesn't that look like a lovely spot to read?

Image found at Marquette Magazine.

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
     (Highlands) Highland Treasure by Amanda Scott and Highlander Unbound by Julia London
     (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
What Sarah Saw by Margaret Daley (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
Her Last Chance by Terri Reed  (Cover has black line across where bookstore crossed it for clearance)
The Clairvoyant Countess by Dorothy Gilman
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Mission: Irresistible by Lori Wilde
Sin and Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Rising Moon by Lori Handeland
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher
Promise Forever by Marta Perry


New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler


New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
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.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! 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 - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

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! I am happy to say that so far about 523 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.

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 $5.00 and $6.00 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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)