Sunday Words of Encouragement January 4, 2015

This morning we celebrated Epiphany which is to symbolize the “revealing of Christ” by the wise men following the star to worship the Christ Child.  Our Pastor’s Sermon was titled: Living a Significant Life. The wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star. They traveled from far off, bringing expensive gifts on a long, perilous journey to worship a king. Matthew 2:9-12. Were they disappointed when they came upon a baby in a humble house setting? No. They bowed down and worshiped. It was because they knew the prophecies and they were looking with expectation...anticipation. The wise men were successful in completing their mission. They were the first of the gentiles to worship the savior.

As a new year begins we tend to make plans for what we want to happen during the year. But we have to realize that we only see a part of the big picture or plan that God has in mind. We must be mindful first to set our plans after seeking God’s guidance. Even so, things do not always go as we plan and we must be willing to adjust to His leading as days unfold.  The important thing is to live with significant intent: love God, love your neighbors, be a witness of the good news and God's faithfulness. And expect and anticipate good things being assured that God 'works all things to good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8:28.

I had a couple of songs in mind today.

I choose the traditional "We Three Kings"

after reviewing the words and enjoying this version.

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Lord, I submit my plans for 2015 to Your guidance. I pray: "God, use me any way you like. I am waiting."

Sharing Beyond Books #184 Comment Giveaway 1/3/2015

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

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's eve and day. We took it easy. Did you make resolutions? I have a few 'unofficial' resolutions - more like goals or plans.
I had a good week and spent time finishing reading lists and posting challenges. :-) I was actually working on that when I realized I hadn't done the SBB post yet for tonight.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

It was very interesting to see the books listed as the favorites of 2014. The Charley Davidson series got mentioned twice and I agree that is a fun series. I have several of the other listed books on my TBR stack - most notably, Cinder. I also have several titles by CL Wilson but have not read her yet. I plan to look at each of your reads over the year to see if I might pull them into 2015 reading. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #183 comments is: #11 SueF who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review 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 #184 (One Question.)

Q1. Alyn asks:  Do you have a Little Free Library near you? Have you used one before??

A: I had to look this up as I had never heard of it.  I am not aware of one anywhere near my small town but the list shows several about an hour away in either Panama City, Tallahassee, or Dothan, AL. These are adorable and serve such a great purpose! Some of the kits are a bit pricey. Maybe I can get my s-i-l to build one for me.  Thanks to Alyn for bringing this to our attention.

Image found at Free Little Library.

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. Alyn asks: Do you have a Little Free Library near you? Have you used one before??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 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. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

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 January 10, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

Book Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage (Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1) by Regina Jennings

This is an easy reading, sweet, historical romance

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)

by Regina Jennings

• File Size: 3539 KB
• Print Length: 337 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764211404
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)
• ASIN: B00KDN89NO

Genre: Christian, Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25

Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.
But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.
Most Inconvenient Indeed.
With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.
After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?

Review:
Abigail fled her home after being wrongfully accused by her step-father and mother. She ended up as a nurse in a Union prison hospital. She tends a dying soldier who asks her to marry him in exchange for taking care of his ailing sister and his farm. They are quickly married and, after his death, Abigail travels to Ozark as Mrs. Jeremiah Calhoun. She finds a warm welcome from her mother-in-law but disbelief and resentment from her bitter and demanding sister-in-law, Rachel. Abigail is delighted to find good horse stock and a farm that she can help restore and thrive. She also is determined to do her best to help Rachael improve her attitude even if there is no hope for full recovery.

All goes well until the real Jeremiah Calhoun returns home, injured but clearly alive. He immediately suspects that Abigail is trying to swindle them. Having Abigail claiming to be his wife is also inconvenient as he is determined to marry his long time childhood sweetheart, Laurel. Jeremiah wants Abigail gone but she won’t budge until she is reimbursed for her savings that were invested in breeding his mare. As hard as it is to admit, Jeremiah can use the help around the farm and soon discovers that Abigail can help him overcome his injured leg too.

There is fun conflict in Jeremiah’s antagonism and from his frustrated struggle to woo Laurel who has been spending time with the local doctor. There is added fun in the form of two mischieveous neighbor children. Rachel’s embittered character provides Abigail the opportunity to show faith, charity and love.

The plot moves well with the crossed romances, the neighborly friends, strifes and danger from bushwackers attacking and stealing horses around the community. I enjoyed the easy flow of the reading and the gradual realization of the sweet romance. I also liked the little nuggets of faith and positive attitude that are shared. I will be glad to read Ms. Jennings again and I recommend this to others who enjoy light, sweet, historical romance.

This is my last review for books read in 2014! I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 2, 2015

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

Wow - It is another new year! We had a quiet New Year's eve and day. I took the time to work up my year end posts and 2015 challenge posts. I am excited about the new year. It seems to be a year of anticipation for me... not sure what but I feel it will be good. I hope it is a wonderful year for each of you!

This concludes the month of 'four' winners. Next week's wins go back to two random winners plus any auto wins.

[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 December 26 Pick. There was one 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 but one was won. 
Anita gets Down by the Water

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 26 Pick:
Miki gets a GC

Linda K gets the Sandra Brown Pair
Llehn 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.}

This is a perfect quote for a New Year and book lovers!

Image found at QuotesVsFun.com

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


New Book Group #53 November 28, 2014

PAIRS - five sets!
Catherine Anderson: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Sandra Brown: A Whole New Light and Fanta C
Elizabeth Lowell: Autumn Lover (only Book 5) and Winter Fire (Only Book 6)
Joan Johnston: I Promise and Sisters Found
Katherine Stone: Rainbows and Pearl Moon
SINGLES:
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
To Catch a Flame by Kimberly Cates
Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Never Say Never by Joan Hohl
Poe's Tales of Mystery and Terror (1967 Collection) by Edgar Allan Poe (Magnum Easy Eye Edition)


New Book Group #52 October 10, 2014
(Links to be added if and when time permits.)

PAIRS:
Richard Paul Evans, The Looking Glass and The Carousel
SINGLES
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Behind a Mask by May Alcott
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

New Book Group #51 September 12, 2014
10/10 - I just realized I never posted the image for this group.

PAIRS:
Elysa Hendricks, Star Crash (personally autographed copy) and The Sword and the Pen
SINGLES:
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
The Reckoning by Jeanette Baker
Out of This Furnace: A Novel of Immigrant Labor in America by Thomas Bell Reprint Edition
Scandalous Virtue Mass by Brenda Hiatt 
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Miracle by Deborah Smith
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014---(All gone)

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014
SINGLES:
Once Upon a Honeymoon by Julie Kistler
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy

New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014
SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)

New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014---(All gone)

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
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)
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 Group #19---(All gone)
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 five years I have posted 42 groups of 16 (832) books to find new homes! (as of November 2014).

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 751+ 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)
List #13 ---(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---(All gone)
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

MBS Best of 2014 Reading List

MBS Best of 2014 Reading List

I had 11 reads I rated as 5.0 out of the 156 read and reviewed. There were another 10 rated 4.75 so they are noted below also.

HERE ARE MY TOP FIVE PICKS:

1. Pure entertainment!

Audio Book Review: Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1 by Juliet Marillier; Fantasy; my rating: 5.0.

2. Edification and faith confirming.

Audio Book Review: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink; Nonficton/Religion; my rating 5.0. 

3. A surprising emotional and inspiring story.

Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin; Inspirational; my rating 5.0.

4. Inspiration and study.

Book Review: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah; Inspirational, Spiritual; my rating 5.0.

5. Fascinating history/memoir narrative; told well.

Audio Book Review: Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet; Memoir; my rating 5.0. 

THESE ARE THE NEXT SIX 5.0 rated books in order of date read:

1. Timely interest - current events with Biblical connection.

Audible Review: The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future by Jonathan Cahn; Christian Fiction; my rating 5.0.



2. Fiction Thriller.

Book Review: Sleeping Dogs by Tony Vanderwarker; Thriller; my rating 5.0.




3. Christian Fiction.

Book Review: Fair Play: a Novel by Deeanna Gist; Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 5.0. 




4. Contemporary Romance.

Book Review: Where Dreams Are Born (Angelo's Hearth) by M. L. Buchman; Contemporary  Romance; my rating 5.0.




5. Excellent ‘classic literature’ fiction.

Audible Book Review: Greenwillow by B.J. Chute; Classic Fiction; my rating 5.0.




6. Top in an entertaining series.

Audible Book Review: Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller, Mystery; my rating 5.0. 

More Wonderful Fiction Reading to Enjoy! - my 4.75 rated books:

1. Audible Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green; Young Adult; my rating 4.75.

2. Audible Book Review: Conspiracy in Death, Book 8 by J.D. Robb; Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.75.

3. Audio Book Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks; fantasy; my rating 4.75.

4. Audio Book Review: Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8 by Patricia Briggs; Urban Fantasy, Paranomral Romance; my rating 4.75.

5. Book Review: Issachar's Heirs by Brian Chilton;  Political Thriller, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.75. 

6. Audible Book Review: The Undead Pool: The Hollows Book 12 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.75.

7. Book Review: Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.75.

8. Book Review: The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

9. Audible Book Review: Deadly Shores: Destroyermen Book 9 by Taylor Anderson; Science Fiction, Alternate World; my rating 4.75.  

10. Book Review: Priceless by Christina Dodd; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.