Sunday Words of Encouragement August 10, 2014

This morning was interesting. Both our Sunday School teacher and our Pastor had worked on preparing their lesson/sermon but God did not let either of them complete their plans. Instead, they both were open to allow the Spirit to move. In Sunday School we discussed the events occurring in Iraq where ISIS terrorists are killing Christians, including the unspeakable evil of brutally beheading little children. We are beyond distressed by these events and some people may question “Where is God?”  Yet we know that God is in control. We must PRAY that the Christians remain strong and trust in God.

Pastor’s message was in the same vein. He asked us to focus on Jesus and trust in God. We are to PRAY for the circumstances; pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world.  But we should not dwell on the trials and not wallow in sorrow. In times of trial and tragedy falling apart does not help. We must stand and declare God’s faithfulness, declare faith in God’s word. God is Love; He loves each of us. We are all the same. We all have hearts that can be broken, hearts that need love and hearts that need to know that God is with each of us. 1 John 4:4-8, 15-19.

I wasn't sure what song video to look for.
I put in "God is in Control" and this fitting video was listed:

God IS In Control!

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

“Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 GW)

I am praying for my brothers and sisters around the world. Lord please help me stay focused on the important things - Trusting You and sharing Your good news.

Sharing Beyond Books #163 Comment Giveaway August 9, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
We had a nice visit with family and friends by the pool early in the day. Then again for dinner after I came back from work. I'm tired now and heading to bed shortly.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
We are equally split on using the library. Seven of us do not use the library, several mentioned because it was so small and limited. The other seven love the library and are happy to get to use it. .

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #162 comments is: #6 Marjorie 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 #163 (One Question.)

Q1. Elizabeth asks (from August 2013): When do schools start again in your country??

A: Our schools are starting this Friday and next Monday. I think my three grandchildren who live here are looking forward to it - mostly. :-)

I like that READ is prominent in this sign.
Image found at Whimsically Detailed.

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. Elizabeth asks (from August 2013): When do schools start again in your country??

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 August 16, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review and Giveaway: Romance Rides the Range (Romance Rider Series #1) by Colleen L. Reece

This is a lovely, sweet romance showing characters who trust in God’s faithfulness.

Romance Rides the Range (Romance Rider Series #1)
by Colleen L. Reece

• Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (April 28, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-1602608955

Genre: Christian Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Sarah doesn’t dare look back . . .
Sarah Anderson refuses to become a drudge for her stepfather and his unruly children after her mother dies in 1882. Neither will she become a pawn for his indebtedness to a riverboat gambler. Sarah escapes from her Missouri home and heads for California to find her brother Seth, trusting God to keep her safe on the perilous journey west.
Matt Sterling rescued Seth from danger and taught him to become a top hand on the Sterling ranch near Madera. Betrayed by one selfish girl, Matt has vowed the San Joaquin River will run dry before he ever gets involved with another woman. He’s better off fighting cattle rustlers, floods and drought to make his spread one of the finest in the valley.

Is love's long lasso strong enough to overcome obstacles and rope in the runaway girl and the once-bitten, twice-shy rancher?

Review:
Sarah, a girl of sixteen, is grieving the death of her faithful mother. She is troubled by her rough, drunken stepfather, Gus, who has used her mother to care for his four unruly children and now expects Sarah to do the same. That expectation pales when Sarah learns that Gus has agreed to give her into marriage in exchange for his gambling debts to the slick, wealthy owner of the River Queen.

Sarah has always dreamed of having a marriage blessed by God like the example she saw in her parents. She believes that God is encouraging her to escape and make her way west to the safety of her brother, Seth. Seth left home a few years before to get away from Gus. He has written to Sarah in secret telling her of his life as a cowboy working under a Godly boss, Matthew Sterling. Seth even sent a picture of himself with Matthew and Sarah has been encouraged by dreams that maybe Matthew would be the Godly mate for her.

Seth also shared a picture of his younger sister with Matt. Matt has been reluctant to seek female friendship since being betrayed a few years earlier. Yet Matt is impressed with Seth’s hard work and Christian foundation and there is no escaping the beauty Matt sees in the picture of a young, innocent Sarah.

Can Sarah make it safely from Missouri to California to stay out of the hands of Gus and her would be fiance? She is sure God has a plan for her but does that plan include Matthew?

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Sarah is a young girl with a strong, determined faith that God will keep her from harm. But that doesn’t mean she will fall into the arms of a handsome rancher to protect her. She is obedient to seek God’s will even if that means working to support herself. Matt is a well respected man of integrity and high morals. Although Seth and Matt have one bitter enemy in town, most of the supporting characters are lovely, hard working men and women.

The author shares appropriate scripture that fits into the circumstances of the characters so it does not come across as preachy.  The writing is direct and simple, making this story an easy, quick read. The message of trust and God’s faithfulness is lovingly presented. My friends in Ladies’ Book club enjoyed the story too. We would be glad to read more stories by Ms. Reece.

I purchased and read this book for Ladies' Book Club meeting 8/2.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read print 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 comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Page at FF and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 17, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 17, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 8, 2014

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

Another week zips by...staying busy!
I remembered late Thursday to pull together another box of books -box #50! I'm so glad to share these books with others who really want them. :-)

[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 August 1 Pick. There were no 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.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 1 Pick:
ElizabethL gets a GC

Rubynreba gets Hawke's Harbor

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 National Book Lovers Day -- August 9!

Image found at Printable Calendar.

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
William J. Coughlin: The Court and The Judgment
Phyllis J. Whitney: The Ebony Swan and Woman Without a Past
SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
So Hard to Forget by Evelyn Crowe
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
Whirlwind Affair by Jacquie D'Allessandro
Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione 
ChiefTain by Nan Ryan
A Place Called Home by Loir Wick
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown:  The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells
Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Running Blind by Lee Child
Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway
The Grey Beginning by Barbara Michaels
The Highlander's Bride by Michele Sinclair


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

SINGLES:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

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

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

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

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
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---(All gone)

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 692+ 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)

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)

Book Review and Giveaway: The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams) by Susan Page Davis

This is an entertaining story of two British women joining a wagon train across the United States.

The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams)
by Susan Page Davis

• Series: Prairie Dreams (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 161626439X
• Genre:  Historical Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2011
Travel along with Elise Finster and her British mistress, Lady Anne Stone, as they search for the new but missing earl of Stoneford. Determined to follow David Stone’s somewhat cold trail leading to Oregon, greenhorns Elise and Anne secure livestock and supplies to join a wagon train. Will the ladies succeed in their quest or succumb to the malfeasance of the mysterious man dogging their heels? Scout Eb Bentley’s initial disgust with these ill-prepared women eventually turns into admiration for one lady in particular. Can he protect her long enough to win her over, or will prairie dreams turn into a Wild West nightmare?

Review:
Elise Finster was only sixteen when she entered domestic service as a parlor maid. Twenty-two years later she is dedicated as Lady’s Maid to twenty-year old Lady Anne, whose father has died. Lady Anne’s uncle, David Stone, is the next Earl and heir but he is in America and hasn’t been heard from for ten years. The estate remains in limbo and Lady Anne has no funds to support the family home. If there is proof that David is dead then the estate and title pass to a less friendly cousin.

Anne and Elise set off to America determined to find Uncle David.  They manage to overcome sickness during the ocean voyage, then travel by train from New York to St. Louis. Elise suspects there is a man following them but she can’t pin him down. Elise and Anne believe that David went west on a wagon train. They resolve to travel after him even though it is a totally alien world to them. They are already traveling as companions instead of Lady and servant so others will not mock them.

Elise and Anne meet Rob and Eb, the trail master and scout for the first wagon train heading west. The rule is that women cannot travel without a man to help them drive their team and do other chores. The ladies hire Thomas, a man who poses as one recommended by Eb but who has been spying on them for the man who followed them from New York. Eb is particularly unsure if Elise and Anne can make the trip but slowly they modify their attire and learn how to cope on the trail. They learn to cook and handle the team of mules under the protective eye of Rob and especially Eb, a widower, who has developed a quiet interest in Elise.

The story contains wonderful details of life on a wagon train and it was particularly interesting to have the British women as a focal point in that journey. The ladies show determination and grace in dealing with each new ‘adventure’, danger and obstacle they face. Elise finds herself in a personal dilemma as she is committed to her promise to help Anne find her Uncle but she has fallen for Eb and can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a husband and home of her own. There is a bit of a mystery remaining at the conclusion of this book which leads to the second book in the series.

I enjoyed the old-fashioned nature of the story, including the protective attitudes of the men (fitting for the time period) and the support and friendships among the pioneer families. There is an underlying faith that helps different characters although the author also presents scenes that show how jealousy, anger and fear can twist men and women who proclaim to be Christian. The book is well researched and written. The book club ladies all agreed that it was an entertaining and easy read.

I purchased and read this for my Ladies’ Book Club for 8/2/14.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my gently read print 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 comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 17, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 17, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.