Sunday Words of Encouragement September 20, 2015

I mentioned last Sunday that our Sunday School teacher talked about the signs of the end times, but more particularly, what is our response to them? He noted that the signs are primarily for believers because the world doesn’t recognize them or will scoff at them. Signs, as we know, are for direction, warning, or information and instruction.

There is a purpose. Although there are men of God trying to figure out the secrets of God, we must be careful because Satan can use this to distract believers. We must not lose focus of our purpose. The Christian Mission is not to predict the date of Christ’s return, but to take God’s message of salvation to the world, starting with our own range of influence.

There will be signs that can be recognized as beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:4-8, Luke 21:9) which will increase as the day approaches. It is not so important to know what day that is but it is important to “keep watch” and “be ready”. Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:13. We are encouraged to be faithful servants and do the work that has been assigned to us. Matthew 24:45-51 continuing in Matthew 25.

I went on a worship trail of great praise songs and found this one for today. 

Be Lifted Higher

Verses for Today:
Luke 21:25-28
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Lord, help to remain on course with your purpose: to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others as You have loved.

Sharing Beyond Books #220 Comment Giveaway for September 19, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I have been away the end of this week for a conference in Orlando. My daughter and other staff assistant have been with me and they have kept me busy.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I really enjoyed reading the temperature and weather conditions that you each noted. It reminds me of the wonderful variety we share in our world.  Several people still have hot weather and several have rainy weather. Many expect October to cool off - at least on the western hemisphere. :-)

~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #219 comments is: #10 Elizabeth who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #220 (One Question.)

Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??

  I like to shop year round -- if I see something that would be a good gift I buy it and put it away at home. I did some sale shopping today while visiting Downtown Disney.
  I used to be good about putting gifts in large containers (marked family or friends) so I would know where to look when December rolls in. However a week or two ago I found a cute top that I bought for one of our granddaughters last year but tucked in my closet and forgot about it.
  We have a Christmas auction in one of the civic organizations I belong to. If I would make something I would already have started it. I plan on doing a basket gift this year and I have already purchased some of the basket items.

Image found at London24 - Consumer.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 September 26, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill

This has wonderful writing and a good mystery but a lot of violence.

Death of the Blue Flower

by Roxann Hill (Author), Paul Wagle (Translator)

• File Size: 4013 KB
• Print Length: 332 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1503947246
• Publisher: AmazonCrossing (September 8, 2015)
• ASIN: B00V7BLU32
• Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
• 
  

Working in an exclusive, high end rehab clinic in Germany, ex con Alicia Petersen does her job well enough to get through the day. Battered by life, she=s generally not one for conversation, escaping her dreary existence through daydreams of her childhood. These dreams and the friendship of Miriam Morgenroth, an elderly patient, are all that keep her going.

One day, Miriam disappears without a trace. But patients do walk away from rehab time and again, so no one suspects foul playCno one except Alicia. Determined to conduct her own search, she asks for help from a chemo ravaged police detective, Chris Winkler, who jumps at a chance to put his dormant expertise to use in the investigation.

From the Bavarian Alps to the northern German Coast, the two follow a bloody trail into a world of betrayal, revenge, and murder, with motives that reach far back into an appalling past. As Alicia and Chris grow closer, they soon discover that Miriam had many secretsCthe sort that threaten the lives of those who attempt to bring them to light.

Will they be able to uncover the truth before the past catches up with them?

Review:
Alicia Petersen was raised on a remote Halligen off the coast of Germany where sea lavender grows in a delicate blue color. In spite of her loving grandmother, Alicia ended up going wild and getting into trouble as a teen. Now she is alone working as an aide in a high end German rehab clinic. She takes a personal interest in some of the patients, unlike other employees. Alicia makes friends with Miriam, an elderly woman, as she shows her kindness and they share a love of reading.

Alicia also challenges Chris, a cop who is trying to recoup from a bout of cancer and the resulting chemo treatments. Chris is close to checking out until Alicia comes to him with questions that he is trained to answer. Miriam has gone missing and Alicia is the only person who thinks there has been foul play instead of a confused patient walking out of the facility.

Alicia met Miriam’s ‘nephew’, Georg, who, as Miriam’s business partner, has been has been handling their banking business. He reveals business enemies who sound like promising suspects. There is also a graduate student who recently interviewed Miriam. Georg agrees to support Alicia as she looks for Miriam and Chris agrees to help with the investigation as it diverts his attention from his medical issues.

Alicia and Chris begin an unofficial investigation which leads them to two entwined trails. One trail is a Jewish family escaping Nazi Germany with rumors of diamonds. The other trail leads to recently dead persons of interest. As they diligently pursue the diamond mystery Chris and Alicia are on a collision course with the hit team who is eliminating the witnesses and information.

This has wonderfully real and flawed characters in Alicia and Chris. Alicia’s friendships with Miriam and Chris are nicely developed with dynamics that blend the current situation with Alicia’s past and memories. The mystery is well plotted with multiple suspects.

The assassins are truly sick and brutal. I have to admit that this trio made me think of Clockwork Orange which I found sick and brutal. This would not be a book for anyone of great sensitivity to violence. On the other hand, when away from the violence, the prose of this book is quite lovely. I was pulled in by the writing from the very beginning – gripping both in alternating scenes of alarming violence and remarkable beauty.

The Nazi escape added historical interest and the romantic element helps soften the intensity of the violence. I would like to read more writing by Ms. Hill. I highly recommend this for the high quality of prose writing and effective mystery plot.

I picked this up from NetGalley. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 18, 2015

Happy Friday.
I hope everyone had a good week - some of us with an extra day off work for Labor Day.
I had only half a day today and I'll be out of office tomorrow for a quick medical check.
I had hoped to get my books together and get the photo but it didn't happen. I have half the books at home and a few at the office. I'll get the new group up for next Friday.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK:

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the September 11 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked this week, but one was won.
Holden j gets That Summer Place.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 11 Pick:
Mary P gets a GC

CarolNW gets The Thinner (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, 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.}

I am not going to admit this but... how about you?

Image found at Sodahead

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

PAIRS:
Shannon Drake – When Darkness Falls (Alliance Vampires #2)  and Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
Charlaine Harris – Club Dead and Grave Signt
SINGLES:
A Darker Dream (Love Spell romance) by Amanda Ashley
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
Fated (Dark Protectors Book 1) by Rebecca Zanetti
Grave Sins by Jenna Maclaine
Primitive by Mark Nykanen (ARC copy)
The Accidental Human (Accidentally Paranormal Novel Book 3) by Dakota Cassidy
The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Silent Night, Haunted Night (A Nicki Styx Mystery) by Terri Garey
Tombs of Endearment (Pepper Martin Mysteries, No. 3) by Casey Daniels
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

PAIR:
Jillian Hunter: Daring and The Husband Hunt
Sandra Brown: The Devil's Own and Long Time Coming
ANTHOLOGIES:
That Summer Place (1998 version)by Debbie Macomber, Jill Barnett and Susan Wiggs  (sp creasing)
How to Lasso a Cowboy by Jodi Thomas, Patricia Potter and 2 more
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Only by Your Touch by Catherine Anderson
The Notorious Gentleman by Galen Foley (Spine creasing)
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Caught Redhanded by Gayle Roper
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Rogue by Cheryl Brooks

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

PAIRS:
JoAnn Ross:Impulse and Far Harbor
Barbara Bretton: One and Only and Shore Lights
SINGLES:
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson Audio Cassette Tapes - Checking re mailing
Marriage by the Book by Joan Johnston (slight binding damage)
Summer Lovin', American Romance - Marin Thomas, Laura Marie Altom and Ann Roth
Hot Pursuit - Karen Rose, Annie Solomon and Carla Cassidy
Murders in the Mist by Willard Scott
Murder on the Atlantic by Steve Allen
Love Me Tomorrow by Rosanne Bittner (spine creasing)
The Reiver's Woman by Catherine Creel
Never Romance a Rake by Liz Carlyle
Patriot Dreams by Barbara Michaels
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster


New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015
(I'll finish the list with authors on Saturday 5/2/15)

PAIRS:
Nora Roberts: The Heart of Devin MacKade and the Pride of Jared MacKade
SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Special Agent by Candice DeLong
Dead in The Water by Stuart Woods - Cassette Tapes
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Catherine Lanigan: Tender Malice and Elusive Love (spine creases)
SINGLES:
Madison Avenue Marriage (Silhouette Desire #129) by Cassandra Bishop
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Where is He Now? by Jennifer Greene
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
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
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 864+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles

This is wonderfully engaging action.
The Remaining: Aftermath
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Nothing has gone according to plan.
To Captain Lee Harden, Project Hometown feels like a distant dream and the completion of his mission seems unattainable. Wounded and weaponless, he has stumbled upon a group of survivors that seems willing to help. But a tragedy in the group causes a deep rift to come to light and forces him into action. In the chaos of the world outside, Lee is pursued by a new threat: someone who will stop at nothing to get what he has.
The Remaining: Aftermath is the second book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Captain Lee Harden is committed to the Project Hometown mission: survive, rescue and rebuild. Lee has survived his first week running and fighting through the plague-infected humans. Now he has stumbled into a community of survivors but he is not completely welcome. Although the leader of Camp Ryder, Bus, is willing to accept Lee’s offer of help, the opposing power-hungry politician, Jerry, doesn’t want more outsiders and challenges Lee’s veracity. Even though Lee is under medication trying to recoup from injuries he becomes the prime suspect when an attack by the infecteds appears to have had inside help to get inside the fences. Jerry and his supporters are quick to label Lee as a spy and saboteur with connections to the brutal outside raider group led by Milo. Now Lee is forced to prove that he can fulfill his promise of accessing a bunker and bringing desperately needed supplies.

Lee sets out with a handful of men in a vehicle with limited gas. Harper, an older gruff man who initially tried to turn Lee away, chooses to go just to spite Jerry. Miller, the wiry young man who helped rescue Lee while he was running from Milo's goons is another volunteer as well as a brawny older teen, Josh. Surprisingly, a jittery Doc, steps up at the last minute to go with them.

The team has to scavenge gas and fight infecteds and looters just to get to the bunker location. There they find a small camp of survivors led by Father Jim, a local pastor. They don’t have room to bring Father Jim and the supplies back but they let them know where the camp is in case they can make it there.

Lee insists on stopping in Smithfield because he promised the camp’s cook that he would look for her sister, Julia. They find the community in Smithfield inside the hospital. Lee hopes to make allies but instead he faces betrayal and danger. The group are being threatened by Milo and Lee doesn’t know who can be trusted and who can’t.

Before getting out of Smithfield, Lee has to fight his way through infecteds and Milo’s thugs. New characters are added as Lee gets help from another soldier, LaRouche, and Julia, a dedicated medical professional,

I was a little distressed by the foul language but I was gripped by the plot and action. D. J. Molles manages to create characters and relationship dynamics that I got invested in. The story and action kept me glued and then I was delighted with some wonderful descriptions. I was glad that I had book three in my Audible library so I could continue the story.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a terrific job with the narration. Each character gets the right voice and the intensity of the action is conveyed through the narration. It is possible that reading the book might let the reader skim over the bad language easier. Still I am definitely enjoying listening to this series.

See my review of The Remaining, Book 1.

I recently picked this up with an Audible credit so I could continue the series. This is part of my Audio Challenge.