Sunday Words of Encouragement January 15, 2017

This morning we had another good Sunday School lesson (Opportunities to Glorify God) which I will share another day. Our worship service started with lovely praise and worship.

We had a guest missionary, Jeff Knight, speak to us. Jeff and his wife, Angie, are a couple who were members of our church until about five years ago. At that time, they started moving toward the mission field with multiple mission trips to Bolivia. Now they are full time missionaries and will be returning to Bolivia once Angie completes chemo and radiation for breast cancer. They are showing great faith in God as they push through this physical setback. Although they might question “Why?”, instead they have seen God’s hand in this as they get to witness with Angie’s doctors and other patients during treatment!

Jeff shared how they set off to build a church in a small community in Bolivia. The town is 60 years behind what we are used to. They still use horse and buggy – no cars. Families live in small, one or two room, houses. They were worshiping outside in a lot. When the team began building the church, Jeff and Angie noticed a school next door, beyond the wall. Jeff and an interpreter went next door to ask the principal if they could speak with the children. The principal was a believer and agreed. Now the ministry has built four churches and held crusades to reach children in many local schools. As part of the ministry they deliver gospel bracelets and New Testament Bibles in Spanish to each student.

Jeff shared the experience of a 13-year-old girl who was raped at age 12 and now has a baby of her own. The girl lives with her mother and the baby, named Genesis, for ‘new beginning’. The young lady wanted to return to school but was unable to as long as she had the financial responsibilities of her home. The members of the ministry team made their own financial commitment to help cover financial needs for this family so the girl could return to school. They have set this up as The Genesis Project and now they support other students who make the choice and commit to meet the grade requirements.

A local ten-year-old is making the gospel bracelets; a local church sewing group is making dresses for the school girls. This is such a beautiful work and everyone can participate. Some are called and sent to the field, some are called to give financial support and some are called to pray. We all can share in the mission work, as God has directed His followers!

Jeff played a video of the Bolivia children which had "I Give Myself Away" as the background.

I decided that was a perfect song today.

A Verse for Today:
Mark 16:15
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

Lord, help me do my part by prayer and financial support and showing your love in my daily life style.

Sharing Beyond Books #286 Comment Giveaway January 14, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I continue to hope everyone is staying safe and warm during the icy winter weather or the rainy summer weather -- on the otherside.

This was a fun question and here are the comfort foods:
6 go for ice cream; 3 go for soups (or stew or chili); 3 go for grilled cheese (or bacon cheeseburger); chocolate was mentioned 3 times (one was hot chocolate); and potatoes, macaroni & cheese, pizza, and popcorn each got a mention. Good foods all!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #285 comments is: #8 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 #286

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning??

I roll out of bed, pick up my phone (used for alarm), my mp3 player (always handy for bed time), and water glass and take them all toward the bathroom. I then read my Bible passages before I shower; I get ready and go to work. I usually eat breakfast at work (omelet and bacon), unless I am off to court when I just take a breakfast bar.

Here's some encouragement for you!

Image Found at Full Circle Living..

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.

Your turn to share: Marjorie asks: What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning??

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 January 21, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a delightful story -- good plot, strong characters and well written.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

by Cindy Woodsmall

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook; First Edition edition (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0307446530
AUDIBLE LINK
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-09
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Amish, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Review:
Beth Hertzler has tried to freeze her emotions since the unexpected, accidental death of her fiancé. She is beyond the time to set aside for mourning but she can’t move on. Her friends and especially her Aunt Lizzy struggle to pull her into social circles again.

Beth works as a sort of sales liaison between Amish Craftsmen and Englishcers. She discovers a beautiful carving and is determined to help the unknown artist find an outsource. Beth’s bishop is not inclined to give approval as he views such carvings as “idols”.

Aunt Lizzy takes it upon herself to find the artist, Jonah. Jonah is a mature young man who learned the carving skills from his grandfather. Jonah has suffered his own traumas as a youth and, although he is happy his siblings have found strong mates, he doesn’t see himself finding someone of his own.

Lizzy secretly nudges the two into a writing exchange where they begin to share their hurts and dreams with each other. Beth believes she is writing to an old grandfather. Jonah at first thinks he is writing to Lizzy, a woman older than himself. When he discovers the truth, he knows that they must reveal the deception but he doesn’t want to lose Beth when she learns the truth.

This is a charming story of the harm of secrets and forgiveness. It is also a well told plot revealing the need to trust – first in God and then in those who love us. The letter exchange is quite beautiful and the author does a wonderful job of developing the characters and their relationship through this connection. I really like both characters who have strength and vulnerability. The supporting characters add to the story too. The story moves at a nice pace and is a quick read.

All my friends in Ladies Book agreed that this was a well written, engaging and wonderful story. We plan to seek more titles from Ms. Woodsmall. We highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Amish stories, and/or clean romance with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: Although I had this in print, I picked up the Audible to read (listen) quicker.
Cassandra Campbell does a lovely job with the narration. Her voice is soft and fits the tone of the story. Although the male voices are precisely male, Ms. Campbell manages to portray their rougher strength. She also captures the soft gentleness and loneliness of Beth as well as the quiet strength and tenderness of Jonah. I can recommend the print or audio version.

I won this book a number of years ago and picked it up for our Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for Mount TBR and 2016 Audio Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US or Canada Only

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 and Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 1/22/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 13, 2017

Happy Friday - the 13th no less!
The week started very cold but warmed up nicely. I hope everyone up north stays safe during the freezing rain that is headed in.
I am feeling all better now! I had a pushy work week as staff were away for a conference while I held down the fort. I also had court out of office three days. At the end of Thursday my desk had piles of files. I hope I can sort some of them Friday and Saturday.

Still no camera but even if I had I had no time to pull together another group of books. I do have a box and bag so maybe I can organize it for 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 January 6 Pick. There was only one automatic win this week but several lining up for next week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: Carol L gets No Place for a Lady

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 6 Pick:
CHRISTINA wants a Historical Romance so I picked A Dangerous Fancy as her book
and
ELIZABETH gets Christmas with the Prince

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.}

And her is another good sentiment for a new year!
Image found at Outrageously Wild (Wonderful) Librarian.

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)

SINGLES:

*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)



New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *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.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

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:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

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

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
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)
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
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)

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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,032+ 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!

MBS 2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Katrina @ Bookish Things

I have done pretty well at maintaining my NetGalley review percentage at about 85%.
I am usually reluctant to take too many titles at once since it does impact the %. Starting 2017 I have the most titles I have ever had at one time with 15 titles (+ an additional 3 which are eTreasure titles which I need to read too!)

The levels I considered are:

Silver – 25 Books
Or
Gold – 50 Books

I had to push to get in 41 for 2016.  I will go with GOLD this year and pay better attention so I can get them all in!

I will add the titles as I read them; and then link to the review when posted.
I forgot to keep the running list here but kept it in a computer document.

My Challenge completed post with the 53 NetGalley books read is HERE!