Sharing Beyond Books #247 Comment Giveaway April 9, 2016 (posted 4/10)

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Sorry this post is a day late. We were away the past few days at a quiet RV park so we could visit our son. We did not have reliable internet in addition to the fact that I was spending the time with family. :-)
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Surprise to me that 9 of us would in fact try different genre from our fav authors regardless of genre. Fredaman's reply is "I would definitely read anything my favorite author wrote, even if they co-wrote the phone book. :-)" Three of us will not read a new genre and four of us might try if it isn't a genre we don't read.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #246 comments is: #4 Sue 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #247

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: 1)Is it easy for you to get rid of or give away your books??

Oh! Is this question for me or what?? I love to give books to other book lovers on my Friday Pick and this Comment giveaway. But.... no, it is not always easy. I collected the books over the years with every intention of reading them. But I clearly have more than I will ever read. Now when I pull books off of my TBR shelves to add to Friday Pick groups, lists for Comment Giveaway or Clear the Shelves giveaways, I often check to make sure the book might be available on Kindle in case I want to get it into my schedule someday. I will occasionally set aside a box of books for the library too (usually those too big for mailing). And I feel good when I put together a box to send to servicemen and women.

This looks familiar to me. :-)
Image from Same Hat

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:
Rosebud asks: 1)Is it easy for you to get rid of or give away your books??

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 April 16, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 10, 2016

We were away from home church this morning as we were in the RV. We listened to a message by Dr. J. Vernon McGee (Inspiration Part 2) which I really enjoyed. He spoke of the “plenary inspiration” of the Word of God as provided to us through the Bible. As fundamentalists, we believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, set down through the prophets using their personalities and views, but given by the Holy Spirit. Inspiration is one aspect of the Bible and a second is “Illumination”. That is the Holy Spirit helping man to understand the message given. Otherwise a man can study and know the words but never understand the great spiritual truths.

Dr. McGee recommends five key elements to study the Bible:
1. Pray before you read – to have your mind opened to the reading and understanding.
2. Read the Bible so that it can be opened to your mind.
3. Study the Bible. Do not just read it in a cursory fashion but stop and look up passages if you need to; think about it; re-read it many times.
4. Meditate on the reading. Again, you should spend time over the words, the setting, the context so the message (and its application to your situation if need be) can be illuminated to you.
5. Share the Word with others. When you learn a meaning or illuminated message, do not keep it to yourself, but rather share it with others; discuss it with others who are studying so that you can edify each other.

Satan tried during the days of the Old Testament to destroy the Word/the Bible. Thus The Book of the Law had been hidden and was discovered anew during the reign of King Josiah (2 Kings 22). When Satan was unsuccessful in destroying the Bible he shifted his attack. Now he works through translations that are provided without a high degree of inspiration and illumination. Bible translations are proliferating and causing confusion. Dr. McGee objected to any Bible translation that did not go through a committee for many (25) years in order to assure authenticity to the original Greek and Hebrew.

This is an older song but fits this message.

Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet!

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (NIV)
13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

I am so thankful that I have gotten myself disciplined to read and listen to the Bible. Even though I do not always study it as hard as I should. I will work on that aspect.

Book Review and Giveaway: Arena by Karen Hancock

This is a remarkable allegory of the Christian walk including faith, temptation, surrender, sacrifice, loss or victory.

Arena
by Karen Hancock

File Size: 1414 KB
Print Length: 393 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1st edition (July 1, 2012)
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
ASIN: B005BOXKRA
Genre: Sci Fi, Religious Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

A journey she did not choose will test her courage and change her life forever

When Callie Hayes agreed to participate in a routine psychology research experiment, she had no clue she'd find herself plunged into a terrifying world where a battle rages between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, she must unravel the mysteries shrouding her only route of escape or risk succumbing to the deadly deception of the Arena.

Multiple-award-winning author Karen Hancock leads readers on a mesmerizing journey as her compelling characters navigate the deadly terrain of a hostile world in this repackage of her acclaimed debut novel.

Review:
Callie is living day to day in a quiet life with a dull job, never pushing herself beyond her limited comfort zone. Her family has wealth and tried to get her to attend debutante balls and society parties, but none of that interested her. Callie’s enthusiastic friend, Meg, convinces her to participate in a psychology research experiment for some quick cash. They had no idea how significant the experiment would be and how it would change their lives.

Callie completes the introductory paperwork, changes into the designated clothing and presents herself for testing. The very attractive attendant gives her a back pack which contains a manual and directs her to pay close attention to the briefing and instructions so she can succeed to cross the Arena. Callie has decided she doesn’t want to continue and refuses to attend the briefing. The attendant indicates she has no choice but to go forward and encourages her to attend the briefing. When she continues to refuse, the attendant gives her the merest of instructions, ‘follow the instructions... stay on the white road… avoid the evil creatures… find the gateway out’. Then she finds herself dumped (transported somehow) into a hostile land.

Callie sets out on a white path seeking the gateway to get out. Soon she faces vines that prick her causing welts, mites that bite painfully and other hairy and ugly creatures. Callie moves forward on a pinkish path she thinks is just a dirty continuation of the white path. Just when she thinks she should turn back a ragged, dirty man steps out of the rocks and pulls her away from an attack.

Callie doesn’t want to trust this strange man, Pierce, but she is fearful of the unknown, frightening creatures. She decides that perhaps she will be safer with him until she can get back to the road. Pierce helps battle hairy mutants and foul trogs until they can join up with a small band who has been traveling together. She is dismayed to learn that others, like Pierce, have been in the Arena for years. She intends to read the manual, although others scoff and tell her much of it is illegible, but as she is attempting to stay alive, she allows the manual to be stolen.

From the beginning of the experiment I railed at Callie for failing to attend the briefing and failing to read the manual. Nothing like going into hostile territory totally unprepared and ignoring the instructions that have been provided. And there I began to see the allegory. Men on earth are provided an instruction manual but many choose to ignore it and struggle against one enemy, dangerous setting or deceptive temptation, after another.

I loved the creativity of the story and the clear allegory provided to the parable of the farmer sowing seeds* (Luke 8:5-15) and to the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). And the story goes beyond that to portray a clear picture of the battle of good versus evil, providing insights on self-reliance, faith, taking a rough road or the easier way, falling to or facing down temptations, forgiving oneself and others,overcoming doubt and confusion, unrepentance and surrender, loss and victory. As a Christian this portrayal is apparent. For a non Christian I think they could enjoy the excitement and story even if they didn't get the underlying message.

Three of us in my ladies’ book club read this and we were all impressed. I encouraged one of the ladies who doesn’t usually read science fiction, and she was very glad I got her to read this. There is plenty of action and characters are well developed to show their growth and struggles. The writing is clean and direct and especially impressive for a debut novel. I didn’t find this to read that quickly, most likely because I wanted to enjoy the allegory as it unfolded. I recommend this even if you don’t normally read sci fi or Christian literature. Do not let the genre or the Christian element deter you from trying this engaging read.

I picked this title in print over a year ago for my Ladies Book Club (LBC). It qualifies for TBR and “A” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

[*There are those who have the manual but never bother to read (hear) its message or choose to walk away without it. They decide early that they can face challenges in their own way and they reject the help provided by the manual. There are others who read the manual eagerly but soon forget to apply it to their situation, trying to face the challenges with their own strength. There are those who receive the manual and understand it is there to help, but the instructions are soon lost while struggling with the trials of life. Finally, there are a few who study the manual, understanding more and more as they study, and learning to rely on the instructions that help them to increase their crop.]

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for eBook

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

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy; worldwide for eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) April 19 , 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 19, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9, by Patricia Briggs

Another warm and engaging installment to this strong series. 
Fire Touched: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 9
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 9
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-08-16
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy,
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson has been hailed as "a heroine who continues to grow and yet always remains true to herself."* Now she's back, and she'll soon discover that when the fae stalk the human world, it's the children who suffer....
Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.
Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?
*Library Journal
©2016 Hurog, Inc. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Mercy, a coyote shapeshifter, and her mate, Adam, the Alpha of the Tri-Cities Werewolf pack, are called in by the local authorities to help stop a rampaging monster on one of the city’s bridges. They don’t know exactly what they are dealing with until it is described to them. Mercy’s guess that it is a troll are confirmed when they arrive on site to stop the creature who is killing humans and playing crash with the cars. Although there are three werewolves and Joel, the fire-god dog, in the battle the troll is not easy to take down.

Mercy had promised not to step into danger but has to weigh that promise against the need to save a mother and infant trapped in a car not far from the troll. Mercy takes the risk to help others and places herself in the path of the troll. Surprisingly she has a few tricks that help but she is facing death when the enraged troll is brought down by the Joel in the crazed fire-god dog form. The out of control dog is a danger, even though it is part of the pack until a child steps onto the bridge and calms the dog.

The boy, Aiden, looks like a child but in fact is hundreds of years old. He was stolen by the fae and has recently escaped with the help of two of Mercy’s fae friends. He is seeking sanctuary which Mercy grants short term in exchange for the help he has given.

Mercy wasn’t fully aware of Aiden’s fire-touched powers or the fact that other fae will attack to try to get to him. Adam and Mercy commit their pack to protect the child even as he causes havoc in their home. The pack has also been set up as the protector of the humans in 'their territory'. The Greylords of the fae are prepared to engage in full out war with the pack unless a treaty can be reached. Fortunately, not all the fae want to destroy the humans and Mercy has powerful friends willing to step up and offer help in negotiating a way out of this mess.

Once again Ms. Briggs presents the magic warmth of Mercy, with the strength of her pack and friends, in a setting that mixes love, humor, conflict and action. I like the strong pack dynamics displayed by the care and loyalty to their own and those they claim as theirs. The strong bond between Mercy and Adam is a plus and even the conflicts with Mercy's step-father added an interesting element. The story is creative and engaging and I have enjoyed the 'specialness' of the walking stick in Mercy's life. I was only sorry it ended too quickly.

Fans of the Mercy Thompson series should enjoy this installment. If you haven’t read the series yet I recommend that new readers start at the beginning to learn all of the characters and relationship developments… not to mention enjoying all of the dangerous adventures.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is the voice of this series! She does an impressive, excellent job with the various character accents as well as delivering the tone and intensity of the actions. I always love to listen to books narrated by Lorelei.

I picked this up with a February Audible credit. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and “F” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 8, 2016

Happy Friday!
Sorry to be so late today. My DH pulled another surprise: "lets take the RV over to visit" our son. So I had to rush around crazy on Thursday to get home early and throw my things in the motorcoach so we could head out.  We didn't get online last night and I spent the morning covering some business before getting to this. 
The park we are in is lovely and quiet. The sun is beautiful even if internet may be not so available.
I had started to pull together another new box of books but they will have to wait till next week.

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 too 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 April 1 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one blocked title again.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 1 Pick:
Janhvi gets a GC

bn100 gets Hope

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.}

No showers for me today but aren't books good companions for a rainy day?

Image found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

PAIRS:
Elizabeth Boyle: His Mistress by Morning and This Rake of Mine (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 2)
Kay Hooper: If There Be Dragons and The Matchmaker
Lisa Jackson: Left to Die and Twice Kissed
SINGLES:
The Theft by Andra Kane
Bed of Roses by Katherine Stone
Hope by Len Deighton (1995 paperback)
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
The Fallen by Thomas Sniegoski
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016
(I have the picture and will try to get the list up before I crash. Sorry no links right now.)

SINGLES:
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes
Forgotten Promises by Denise Skelton

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


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

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
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!

ANTHOLOGIES:
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

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

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey

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

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

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 Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle



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)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


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)

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


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 948+ 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!