Sunday Words of Encouragement June 26, 2016

We had three grand messages this morning. Our Sunday School teacher taught a lesson from Romans 13 entitled “A Wake Up Call”. I will share more of that another day.  We had a guest evangelist who shared a lovely message on "A True Shepherd" as we prepare to meet candidates to be our new pastor. I am saving that message also.

In between we shared communion and my words today are from that time of sharing. Our church shares an ‘open communion’ which means visitors can partake. They do not have to be members of the church but they must be believers and take the offerings with the remembrance and reverence intended for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. (I was raised in an Episcopal, liturgical church, so I still recall the formal names.) Our Pastor reminded us that sharing in communion should be done after self-reflection so that we do not partake lightly lest we bring judgment on ourselves. I took the warning and wrote this phrase in my Sunday Journal: Self-reflection to submit to God’s discipline so that we may be saved. We will not be judged by worldly standards but by God’s standards which are higher; yet through the loving eyes of grace we are judged with mercy. This tied in with the Sunday School message which talked of the process of salvation which will not be complete until Christ returns.

Evangelical or fundamental churches rarely use ‘rote’ prayers or formal liturgy. But communion time always takes me back to my childhood lessons of the 'general confession'.  That is something I can, and should, pray at the end of every day.

The formal version is from the Book of Common Prayer 1662 (and in the small devotional book In God’s Presence which was given to me in 1965 at my confirmation). I also remember this shorter version that I think of at each communion:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

We sang this song in worship this morning. 

I found it comforting as Bob and I prepare for his open heart surgery tomorrow morning.

Verses for today:
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I thank you, Lord, for your great mercies. I seek your strength and guidance daily to do all as I ought; as you desire.
I thank all my family, local church family and friends, and my distant online friends for prayer support!

Sharing Beyond Books #258 Comment Giveaway June 25, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Six commenters have no children; two of those feel they got their love from their parents. Eight of us have passed on their love to their children and grandchildren. Linda and Rubynreba noted that sometimes adults/parents are too busy to read, especially mothers/mums.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #257 comments is:#1 Natalija 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 #258

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: Do you skim through the descriptive parts in a when reading a book? I do.??

I am not sure what Marjorie means by descriptive parts... I often enjoy descriptive settings or details of equipment (sci fi/military stories). On the other hand I may skim descriptions of day to day things like kitchen scenes or clothing choices. Also I may skim highly sexual descriptions.

This image is found as part of a presentation on Reading Comprehension at slideplayer.

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.
Comments in June have been supplied by: Faith Hope & Cherrytea, Infuse, Rubynreba and Marjorie. Random.org chose 1 so FHCT gets a GC.

Your turn to share:
Marjorie asks: Do you skim through the descriptive parts in a when reading a book? I do.??

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 July 2, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Guardian of Paradise by W.E. Lawrence

This story is full of action and romance in a beautiful, exotic setting.

Guardian of Paradise

by W.E. Lawrence

File Size: 909 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publication Date: October 15, 2014
ASIN: B00OKZVWF8
Genre: Action Adventure, Historical
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

In 1888, Kira Wall, surviving daughter of missionaries swept away in a tsunami, lives a primitive, but enjoyable life with natives on an isolated island in the South Pacific. But her serene world is turned upside down when an Australian merchant ship, commanded by the sinister Captain Darcy Coleman, arrives with an overabundance of modern and lavish goods. Kira suspects ill intent. Chief Ariki refuses to listen to Kira’s warning, forcing her to uncover the real plan of the captain on her own. Unfortunately, she has a distraction. A six-foot tall, blond, and handsome distraction. Trevor Marshall, doctor and botanist, hopes to find exotic plants on the island to research new cures and medicines. He is dedicated to science, but when meeting the strong-willed, beautiful Kira Wall, he’d prefer to spend time researching her—all night.

The captain thwarts Kira’s attempts to call him out at every step, turning the village chief against her. With only Trevor and her best friend Malana by her side, she stalks the captain and his officers through the dense, predator infested jungle, toward the island’s inactive volcano. Frustrated by her failure to reveal the captain’s true intentions, Kira begins to think maybe she’s wrong about everything. Then an explosion and earthquake bigger than anyone on the island has ever seen renews her resolve. Was the blast natural or man-made? She is determined to prove it was the captain’s doing. Kira races against time and the island people’s naivety to stop the captain from destroying her home and killing everyone she loves.

Review:
Kira grew up to become part of her island tribe after her missionary parents died. She has more caution about the merchant ship sailors who come to the island than the simple island people. This particular ship’s captain is a smooth talker and has brought modern fabrics and equipment to trade in exchange for harvesting some of the bountiful crops on the island. Chief Ariki is willing to trade with Captain Coleman and pushes aside Kira’s warnings.

One of the men from the ship is handsome doctor and botanist, Trevor Marshall. He is awed by the health of the people and the rich quality of the crops. He is also fascinated by the beautiful young woman, Kira. They become friends while she shows him special plants on the island.

Kira discovers Captain Coleman and his officers digging up river and she is more convinced they are up to no good. An unfamiliar blast could be a natural earthquake caused by their volcano but Kira suspects it is man-made. The shake has caused injury to the chief's son who is also husband of Kira's best friend, Malana. Kira’s angry accusations, with no proof, get her banished from the village until the visitors are gone.

Matters turn more dangerous when Kira and Malana discover the real goal of the Captain. Kira is a strong, clever woman who is willing to face the dangers. But how can one woman ward off the evil men before they destroy her island and injure her naïve people?

I liked Kira’s strong character although she is repeatedly impulsive. This of course creates opening for the action and conflict. Trevor is known as a lady’s man so Kira was clearly out of her depth with him. Other than that trait, Trevor is cheerful, likable and honorable. He has a true heart to help people fight disease and he is willing to help Kira if she will let him.

This is the second book I have read by W.E. Lawrence. They are stand-alone stories but have  similarities. The young, innocent women get caught up in a very sensual situation with the men who ultimately help ‘save the day’ from danger. I emphasis help, as the women have a strong part in the action against the evil forces. I find the sensuality just close to too strong for my preference although the scenes are really more tastefully intense than graphic.

I enjoyed the historical setting and the nuggets about the primitive, simple life-style. Initially I didn’t understand how Malana could be away from her children so much without her absence being notice but later it is noted that the children are in their teens. The action keeps the story moving at a good pace and makes it an enjoyable adventure romance. I recommend it to readers looking for a quick moving romance with adventure.

I received this title for an honest review. This is "G" in my Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 24, 2016

Happy Friday!
My Sunday post explained the traumas we had last week. This week was calmer although we are now preparing for my hubby's open heart surgery on Monday 6/27. I am going to the hospital with him today for preop and to watch the video so we will know what to expect.
I have half of a new box of books pulled together and I hope to finish that and add the list on Saturday.
I believe I got all of the Amazon GCs and PayPals sent this week. Two people have "saved" balances and I have emailed your totals. If I missed anyone, please send me an email to check.

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 June 17 Pick. There was no automatic win again 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 and one was won.
AUTO: NONE Carol thought she was week 4 but I only had her at 3...but she won with random pick. :-)

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 17 Pick:
Carol L gets Just the Way You Are

Di gets A Perilous Attraction (through a 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.}

It is finally summer (for most of us) and maybe we can get extra reading time.

Image found at Porter Schools

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016
(I will post a picture later into the week. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
Sandra Brown: Above and Beyond and Honor Bound (my copy is 1986 edition with a different cover
Joan Johnston: Faron & Garth: The Cowboy and the Princess / The Wrangler and the Rich Girl and Sweetwater Seduction
SINGLES:
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews (new- hardcover)
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
*Witch’s Hammer by Caroline Farr (a 1967 yellowed pages - different cover)
*Mistress of Mount Fair by Jane Gordon
Once an Angel by Tammy Hilz
Bound By Temptation by Lavinia Kent
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
On Fire by Carla Neggers (1999 version with different cover)
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
*She Came Back by Patricia Wentworth (1981 yellowed pages)
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
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
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

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!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone


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 969+ 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!

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Vigilance by Lance Erlick

This dystopian series follows the struggles of one young woman who might make a difference in a restrictive, dying society.
Regina Shen: Vigilance
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 3295 KB
Print Length: 249 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (April 18, 2015)
ASIN: B00WDAQDJW
Genre: Dystopian, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

After two years of training, outcast Regina Shen prepares to jump the barrier wall into the World Federation to hunt for her sister, but nothing goes according to plan.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner series, Regina Shen: Vigilance is the second book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong female heroine facing extraordinary hurdles with tenacity. With the young protagonist having to grow up fast, it appeals to both young adult and adult audiences.
The Federation condemns Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. For two years she avoided capture. Now the Federation is desperate to exploit her unique DNA in order to stop human extinction. She would rather die than help the people who kidnapped her sister.
The Federation’s notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and pursues Regina for her genome. Now Demarco has a ruthless rival who aims to use Regina to overthrow Demarco.
Regina survives by her wits on swampy islands and salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation. With her photographic memory, she defies Antiquities by consuming books not available in the Federation. That makes her an outcast among peers but may help her reach the university town where they’re holding her sister.
Pursued by Antiquities, Regina jumps the wall into the Federation. While making new friends and enemies, she learns that Federation life isn’t any better than the swamps. Regina must use her wits to avoid letting either of two rival inspectors capture her. Can she rescue her sister from an obvious trap?

Review:
Regina is an outsider in a world that is run by Grand Old Dames (Gods) who have extended their lives for over 300 years. They eliminated men years before and control the population by restricting education and punishing free thinking. Regina and her family are ‘Marginals” who life in the swamps outside of the wall that keep the 'harmonious' citizens within the Federation.

Regina and her younger sister Colleen revealed blood work that could help with the growing infertility problems of the society. Colleen was captured two years before but Regina has managed to evade the Federation agents who have sought her. Now Regina starts her new life as a university student but she doesn’t blend in or make friends like she is supposed to.

Regina still refuses to see the bigger picture or acknowledge her ‘destiny’, as her swamp teacher, Mo-Mere, puts it. I can’t help but seeing Regina’s actions as selfish, with narrow focus and little concern for her friends and those who are trying to help her. I have to be honest that I found this annoying. I was glad to note that as this book nears the end it appears that Regina is finally growing up and acknowledging the consequences effecting others. I liked the new characters who help Regina in this episode and I think the difficult positions of Regina’s ‘enemy’, Federal Agent DeMarco, adds an interesting dynamic.

This is book two in this YA, dystopian series. The pacing of the story is good. The society is all female and some of the relationships are leaning into the lesbian genre although there is nothing overt at this point. I really appreciated the author’s expressions regarding government control through limiting truth, education and discouragement of free thinking. I am not enthralled but I do find the series engaging. I am curious where the author will be taking Regina, DeMarco and the story.

Please check out my review for Book 1, Regina Shen: Resilience.

I received this through iReads Book Tours. I will be reading and reviewing the third and fourth books in July.

GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 signed copy of Resilience + $15 Amazon gift card + 2 sets of postcards / 2 winners will receive a signed copy of Resilience / a free ebook copy of The Rebel Within (open to USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway