Sunday Words of Encouragement April 20, 2014

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

I am looking forward to a wonderful service this morning with choir specials to celebrate Christ's Resurrection!
Blessings to my blog friends on this special day!

This is not one of the songs we are singing 

but it fits the occasion.

Verses for Today:
Mark 16:5-7
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "


Thank you, Lord, for your sacrifice that paid the way for my forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

Sharing Beyond Books #147 Comment Giveaway April 19, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I was rather surprised but glad that most commenters can picture books in their minds. Several compared it to watching movies. Three of you said that you do not see pictures and Ricki said she only sees in abstract, which I think is like me. Linda noted that she has a terrible imagination and that is why she likes to read so much. I agree. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #146 comments is: #18 Alyn 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 #147 (One Question.)

Q1. (This Q is a good follow to last week's Q.) Liss asks: Have you ever dreamed with a scenario of an specific book you have read, if so, which one??

A:  I'm sure I have although I can't think of one. Considering that I tend to listen to audio books as I am falling asleep you would think I would dream more of the stories. 

Image found at Sleeping Beauty Quotes on Pinterest.

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 still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Liss asks: Have you ever dreamed with a scenario of an specific book you have read, if so, which one??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 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 through Saturday April 26, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Audible Book Review: Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3 by: A. American

This is a good addition to this post apocalyptic series. I hope there will be more.
Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine


Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Survivalist, Book 3
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:10-30-13
Publisher: Penguin Audio

Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
When society ceases to exist, who can you trust?
After the collapse of the nation's power grid, America is under martial law - and safety is an illusion. As violence erupts around him, Morgan Carter faces one of his most difficult decisions yet: whether to stay and defend his home, or move to a more isolated area, away from the prying eyes of the government. He and his family are hesitant to leave their beloved Lake County, but with increasingly suspicious activities happening in a nearby refugee camp, all signs point towards defecting. Morgan and his friends aren't going to leave without a fight, though - and they'll do anything to protect their freedoms.
From the author of the hit survivalist novels Going Home and Surviving Home, Escaping Home describes the struggle to live in a world with no rules, and how, sometimes, the strength of family is the only thing that can pull you through.
©2013 A. American (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Review:
At the end of Surviving Home, Book Two in this series, Morgan and his friends, Danny, a neighbor, Thad, his traveling companion, and Sarge and his three team members (met in Going Home, Book One), had done a reconnaissance of the local ‘government’ camp to see if they could tell how things were going. It wasn’t clear if those living in the camps were being helped or mistreated but Morgan and Thad were surprised to spot a young woman that looked like Jess, the girl they helped travel home to Ocala in Book One. Unfortunately the spies were spotted and had to pull out under gunfire.

Sarge is insisting that everyone start planning the move to an alternative location since the government troops most likely know where Morgan and Danny live. Morgan’s wife doesn’t like the idea although the girls think it might be a fun ‘camping adventure.’ The guys begin to make trips moving necessary and wanted equipment and supplies to the rugged cabins that Morgan showed them.

Many trips with a lot of gear draws some unwanted attention and the survivors face an ambush. Finally the attack on their own homes comes including the hostile presence of one of their old neighbors who insists they all move to the government facility.

Contact is made by a stranded Marine troop who offers some helpful intel to Sarge in exchange for needed supplies. These men have come across a man who survived a disastrous escape attempt from the government camp. Meanwhile, the slave-like conditions of the government camp are portrayed through Jess and her roommates.

This is the third installment in the series and seemed not quite as action packed as the prior books. There was still good action but I would say that this was a ‘preparing’ interlude to the next book. I was fully engaged by the story which read (listened) very quickly. I am looking forward to the next installment.

Audio Notes: Duke Fontaine continues to do a fine job of narration. He manages to portray different accents and personalities. I have to admit that I tend to get lost in the story and pay less attention to narration details. That indicates a good narrator to me and I think the narration has enhanced the series and made it an easy listen for me.

I purchased this third book with my Audible subscription so I could continue the series.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 17, 2014

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

I've had to scramble a bit this week due to one assistant being out to prepare for her daughter's wedding and my daughter/assistant being sick. I am looking forward to the weekend and celebrating Easter. I hope everyone has a good weekend and Happy Easter


More details at My Cancer Journey. 

[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 April 11 Pick. There were  two Automatic wins again this week - both for paired sets :-).  (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.
CORRECTED an error as Becky won a different title which resulted in Auto win for Carol L. Rita gets the Debbie Macomber pair
Booklady gets the Virginia Henley pair
Carol L gets Lakeside Cottage

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 11 Pick:
Becky gets The Horeseman's Secret

miki 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.}

Happy Easter and Wishes for a basket full of books!

Image found at The Book Cellar.

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

PAIRS:
   Virginia Henley - Notorious and Insatiable
   Debbie Macomber - Navy Woman and This Matter of Marriage
SINGLES:
The Diamonds of Wellbourne Manor Anthology by Diane Gaston plus
Heart of Darkness Anthology by Gena Showalter plus
Unbound Anthology by Kim Harrison plus
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous Passions by Kat Martin
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
If She Only Knew by Lisa Jackson (spine creases)
Liar's Market by Taylor Smith
The Horseman's Secret by Jeannie Watt
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

PAIRS:
   Deborah Cooke: Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate
   Fern Michaels:  Hey Good Looking and Charming Lily
SINGLES:
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Jane Davidson
Exit Strategies by Catherine Todd
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Sandhill Dreams by Cara Putman
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright
Dare Me Anthology, Cherry Adair, Jill Shalvis and Julie Elizabeth Leto
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
A Writer's Dream & A Cowboy's Heart by Vickie Kennedy


New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013

PAIRS: gone
SINGLES:
Renegade Heart by Madeline Baker
Every Whispered Word by Karyn Monk
Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013

Pairs gone
SINGLES:
Father for Keeps by Ana Seymour 
Crimson Rain by Meg O’Brien

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 (All gone)

Singles:
Silver Feather by Cassie Edwards (pictured and in box but missed the listing.)
Something Extra by Janet Dailey

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
The Nightingale's Song by Jo-Ann Power
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 (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
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.

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---(All gone)

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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
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

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
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 four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

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 651+ 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 

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---(All gone)
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

Pick #8
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)

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop 4/17 through 4/24

WELCOME TO THE
4th Annual Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop
April 17th to 24th

This hop is hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Read Now Sleep Later

The hop runs from Thursday, April 17th through Thursday, April 24th.

My MBS Giveaway is open for EVERYONE and There will be two winners: 
Each Winner gets a Book choice Value up to $10.00 Value towards books at The Book Depository or Gift Card/PayPal credit of the winner's choice.

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon, B&N or other vendors so the winner must plan the choices, if applicable, to include shipping. The books can be any format: ebook, hardback, paperback or even audio for a total value of $20.00.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog in some form.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM!
Giveaway closes 12:01 AM Eastern on April 25.  Winners to be chosen through the Rafflecopter system.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL HOPPY EASTER HOPPING!