Sunday Words of Encouragement November 24, 2013

I expect to be late home today as we will be staying after church to practice our Christmas program. We are singing some really wonderful music I hope to be able to share during the next few Sundays.

Since this is Thanksgiving Week I am directed and mindful to Give Thanks! While looking up other images I came across this that gave me pause:

 Image found at Parables Blog

I want to print that out and put it above my pillow so I do not forget on any day to give thanks to God.

I was in mind to pick an older, more traditional Thanksgiving hymn to share today. I had a wonderful hour of listening/watching many songs old and new. It was hard to pick just one but this is the one I selected.  It has amazingly sweet images and the lyrics. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

All Creatures of Our God and King

A Verse for today:
Psalm 95:2  (NIV)
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

I thank you Lord for the abundant life you have given me through Your Great love and mercy.

Sharing Beyond Books #127 Comment Giveaway 11/23/13

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

I must apologize for failing to link my giveaways last week. A special thanks to you folks who sought out the post to comment during the week. :-)

I was rather surprised that greater portion of commenters only read one book at a time. There were nine of those which includes three who occasionally read two at a time. Only six of us read more than one at a time and Ricki takes the cake reading 20 books at one time. Not sure how she manages to keep them all straight. :-)

Most of us claim to be good patients although a couple besides me admitted to be cranky sometimes. Natasha stated she was a good patient "always usually." Hmm wonder just what that means. :-) And Mary P has a mother who plays the dying swan whenever she is sick. I bet (hope) Mary's family has lots of patience.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #126 comments is: #2 Linda 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 #127

Q1. Emily asks: If you disliked a book, would you still take the time to write a negative review? Or would you just give it a bad rating and forget about it??

A: I rarely read a book without doing a review and fortunately I haven't had too many I actually disliked. If I did I would try to give specific reasons why I didn't like it because we all have different tastes. Giving a book a low rating without saying more doesn't really help other readers know what was unpleasant about the book.   

Image found at Book Haven, Stanford University.

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: It's that time of year to give thanks so please share something(s) you are thankful for.

A: I started thinking I would say lets state one or two things.  But my own list quickly added up so I decided -- no limits!  Here goes: I am thankful for 1) God creating and blessing me.  2) Family - parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren and extended, including pets. 3) Church Family - they are special. 4) Work - all three businesses. 5) Blog which includes friends in the blogging community and all the books I get to read! 6) Fairly good health - even with the cancer diagnosis it could have been much worse. I could go on but that covers most of it!

Image found at The Sweetest Petunia.

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 are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Emily asks: If you disliked a book, would you still take the time to write a negative review? Or would you just give it a bad rating and forget about it????

Q2. My non-bookish 'Question' this week: It's that time of year to give thanks so please share something(s) you are thankful for.

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

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two 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, November 29, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: To Have and To Hold by Leigh Greenwood

This is a solid romance with good characters and good movement in a realistic, historical setting.

To Have and To Hold
by Leigh Greenwood

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 5, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1402284462
• ISBN-13: 978-1402284465

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
"Greenwood's books are bound to become classics."—Rendezvous
A Stranger to the Rescue
Colby Blaine has been a longer his whole life. And he isn't about to change now. But that doesn't mean he can ignore people in trouble. When he rides up to an inexperienced wagon train under attack, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. It's only after the raid that he really lands himself in hot water...

Naomi Kessling is certainly grateful to Colby for saving her family and agreeing to lead their train to safer territory. But the man has an infuriating way of knowing just how to get under her skin—he asks too may questions about a past she doesn't want to remember, and his touch makes her long for far more. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Naomi sees that perhaps it's Colby who needs rescuing the most...

"Greenwood never disappoints. Continuous action, sharp intrigue, and well-rounded characters captivate."—RT Book Reviews.

Review:
Naomi is a strong young woman who has been the “mother’ in her family since the death of her mother. She helps her doctor father and has helped raise her two younger brothers, one 17, only a year younger and the other a 10 year old. Both boys are beginning to assert their own personalities. Naomi and her family are heading west on a small wagon train with all other families in their small Kentucky community. She doesn’t know the true reason they all decided to move but she suspects it has something to do with Union soldiers and perhaps something that is causing her unexplained nightmares.

When the wagon train is attacked by Indians they are saved by Colby, a lone stranger, who rides into their circle to help lead the fight. Colby prefers living his life as a lone wolf but he couldn’t stay by and watch without trying to help. Colby is impressed by Naomi’s bravery and determination as she helps defend the group and then helps reorganize the people, especially the hysterical young mother whose husband was killed in the attack.

Everyone else is friendly and welcoming to Colby except Naomi. He doesn’t understand her hostility towards him and wants to find out, especially since he is surprisingly attracted to her.  Naomi is afraid of the man in the Union Army uniform even if he does attract her more than any other boy or man she has met. He seems so capable in many things but she senses he is hiding a secret too.

The relationship between Colby and Naomi develops slowly through admiration and friendship. Eventually they will learn each others secrets but they will have to decide if they can risk trying to make a life together. The relationships of family and neighbors in the stressed community as it struggles on the trail makes an interesting background to the romance. Colby and Naomi are strong characters but a few of the other participant characters are developed enough to add interest and contrast. The story is not necessarily action packed but it has plenty of forward movement that kept me interested to read on to find how the issues resolved.

Although this may not be spectacular or flashy I enjoyed this very solid romance story. I recommend it to readers who enjoy sweet, historical romance with emphasis on the romantic development with addition of interesting historical detail. This was the first book I have read by this author but I am fairly sure I have another in one of my boxes and I look forward to reading it.

I received this ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 29, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED after November 29, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Five Million Dollar Cat by Laura Lond

This is a delightful, fun, fast listen with a good twist.
Five Million Dollar Cat: A Novella

    UNABRIDGED
    by Laura Lond
    Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

    LENGTH    1 hr and 52 mins
    RELEASE DATE    06-22-12
    PUBLISHER    Laura Lond
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
When Amy's sleazy ex reemerges, she is wary, for two good reasons. One, she is still paying off the debts Jack had gotten her in. Two, his scheme, as usual, smacks of fraud. Jack, however, insists that everything is perfectly legal, safe, and easy, especially Amy's part. All she needs to do to earn her share, which would be a quarter million dollars, is - adopt a cat.
©2012 Laura Lond (P)2012 Laura Lond

Review:
Amy is a kind young woman who has already been duped by her ex-boyfriend, Jack. She thought she was finally free of him, after he ran up her credit cards and used up all her savings in sure-fire but bad investments. Amy is busy working two jobs trying to get back on her feet when she gets an unwelcome call from Jack. He proposes that she help him by adopting a cat in the hopes of receiving a secret five million dollar reward of which she will get to keep $255,000.00.

Amy is reluctant but then decides that at least she would care for a cat and it would get a good home. Besides, perhaps it won’t be such a bad thing and won’t really hurt anyone. Amy goes to the pet-adoption agency and falls in love with the cats. She decides that one terribly injured cat is the one that must come with a reward. She takes home that sweet cat but no call comes in with a reward. Meanwhile, having lost one part time job, she spends time volunteering at the shelter and helping with the other cats.

When Jack begins to threaten harm to her cat, her apartment and all she owns, she decides to make a change in course. Will she have to hide from Jack or will she be able to protect her loved ones and manage to work herself out of debt?

I read a fantasy by this author which I also enjoyed. I was pleased that this book flows well and is entertaining even if in a different fashion than the other.  This quick story is delightful for cat lovers and has a wonderful, surprising twist. I recommend it to those who love a quick little intrigue.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert does a very good job making this an easy, natural sounding presentation. She is able to convey the emotions of concern and care from Amy and bullying from Jack. I think this would be a fun story to read but it also makes for a great, quick listen.

I received this download for review through Audiobook Jukebox.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 22, 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!! Harrumph - another week zipped by!  I have had a super busy week in the office. I've been going to bed a bit early since I've had to be up early and to court three mornings this week. I think I'm pushing work since I may have to take it a easier in December when I expect I will have to start radiation treatment. I find out next Friday.
Sorry - I didn't even get to update the Giveaways in the side bar. I am still behind in reviews and visiting too. I'm glad next week is a holiday week but we are having company in so I will be doing some cleaning this weekend. So *sigh* - not sure how I can change this schedule. 

Is everyone else ready for a nice Thanksgiving break and turkey or other special dinner?

[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 November 15 Pick. There were THREE Automatic wins 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). There were two titles blocked this week and both were won!

Anita gets Golden Chances
bn100 gets Portrait of Dreams
Emily gets Net Force - One is the Loneliest Number

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 15 Pick:
I am continuing to choose three books a week for November,
the anniversary month for Friday Picks! :-)

Nikki gets a GC

June M gets the Suzanne Enoch pair through the block
Rita gets No Other Lover another through the block

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.}

Image found at Moesters. 

This is a lovely holiday decoration.

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs
Mary Higgins Clark
     Before I Say Good-bye and Where Are the Children>
Suzanne Enoch
     Lessons in Love The Rake and Sin and Sensibility
Diana Palmer (Choose any two)
    Lawless, Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan and Brides to Be (spine creased)
Kate Wilhelm
     Desperate Measures and No Defense
SINGLES:
Never Tell by Karen Young (spine torn)
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler
Cutwork by Monica Ferris
A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013

Pairs:
Susan Spencer Paul
     Beguiled and The Bride's Portion
Singles:
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Portrait of Dreams by Victoria Malvey
No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Deceptions & Dreams by Debra Deir (spine creases)
Wet & Wild by Sandra Hill
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Something Extra by Janet Dailey
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Dead Silence by Brenda Novak
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by Sharyn McCrumb

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Wicked and Wonderful by Valerie King
Tabitha in Moonlight by Betty Neels
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
Caught in a Bind by Gayle Roper
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
White Heather by Jaclyn Reding

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Pairs:
      (Angels) Not Quite An Angel by Bobby Hutchinson and An Angel for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes
Dance With Me by Luanne Rice
A Mother's Day Anthology - three stories
Star Light, Star Bright by Katherine Stone
Another View by Rosamunde Pilcher

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.

Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
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.

Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
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:
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.
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All Gone)

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

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012


SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*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

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---(All gone)

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

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 on November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (as of 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 590+ 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 $7.00 and $6.00 $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)

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
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

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---(All gone)

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

Pick #10---(All Gone)