Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2017

This morning our Sunday School teacher gave us an update on the ministry in Haiti. They have installed a good well – 89 feet deep to reach clean water. Some of the men from Band of Brothers will be going down at the end of the month to help put a roof on a small kitchen structure they have built. The ministry now serves three areas, one city community and two country communities. We are happy to be part of the support for the work God is doing.

We had lovely worship and prayer time before sharing in communion. Then we had a guest speaker, born in Sri Lanka, whose mission is to spread a message on the importance of prayer. He wore a Superman shirt and noted that some people view prayer as a task for the devout, dedicated Christian – the super Christian. But pray is the privilege and responsibility of all Christ followers.

He noted the prayer of Hannah who appeared drunk to the priest. She explained she was not drunk but was praying to the Lord in anguish and sorrow. (1 Samuel 1:9-19.) When was the last time you someone so immersed in pray, or so exuberant, that they appeared drunk? Hannah let her circumstances drive her to prayer. This led to the birth of Samuel who chose the first two kings of Israel. We each have the opportunity to change the world with our prayers.
Jesus said, in Matthew 22:37, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'”

The guest pastor shared one example of carrying 3 x 5 cards with prayer reminders. I can do that! He will expound on the practicalities of loving with heart, soul and mind in this evening’s service. But he noted that you have to start somewhere. God will answer your cry no matter what you call Him, where you call Him or when you call Him.

The guest also encouraged us with a reference to Joshua 1:1-3, saying that with new leadership comes to opportunity to carry forward God’s plans. He is excited for what God is planning to do in our church and community.

I found this song which fits so nicely! Power of Prayer.

Verses for Today
Matthew 22: 37-40 NLT
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Lord, help me be faithful to pray for others and for Your Will to be done.

Sharing Beyond Books #293 Comment Giveaway March 4, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

The answers to last weeks question were pretty even. Seven commenters do not currently keep lists of books, although a couple used to. One only keeps track by her blog and the other seven of us keep some sort of list or lists.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #292 comments is: #14 Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated **Old (and soon to be updated) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I hadn't realized I had not updated the book choices in quite a while. Also - I found a box of books under our clerk's desk that haven't been mailed out so I apologize that there are many late. I will get those out this week. I think there may have been one or two overlaps because I hadn't crossed off the list. I may just purchase the books to mail or I'll email the winners to see if they want a new choice. AND since I see that the list choices are dwindling I will add some new choices this coming week. Thanks for being patient with me!
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #293

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

I can't think of a particular time this has happened. However I recently was reading a sci fi series that I was really enjoying. I had to make sure that I didn't resent the review books that came up next and interrupted the series. I remind myself that I am blessed to have the review books I have selected or agreed to and that I can get back to the series in a few weeks. :-)

Image found at Browsing Bookshelves

Image found at Bookishness and Tea..

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: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 March 11, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Glenfiddich Inn by Alan Geik

The history in this story is fascinating.
Glenfiddich Inn
by Alan Geik

File Size: 922 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0692345655
Publisher: Sonador Publishing (December 11, 2014)
ASIN: B00QXE80GI
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

One hundred years ago August 1915, the Great War was beginning its second year. Nobody thought the initial battles would last long-and yet it soon evolved into the most devastating, horrific war known to man. It would continue in its senseless brutality for two more years—ultimately dragging the United States into it.
It’s America in 1915—
The still distant Great War in Europe creates unexpected opportunities for the Morrison and Townsend families in Boston while, at the same time, they watch with dread as the ferocious conflict reaches across the ocean.
William Morrison’s boss, the bank president Joe Finnerty, is also a relentless con man. Whether it’s elaborate stock frauds, war profiteering or just dipping into a widow’s trust account—Finnerty’s ever-cheery amorality both captivates and repels William.
William’s wife, Margaret is also captivated—but for her it is with wireless voice transmissions. It’s called “radio,” and while she is certain it will soon transmit a voice, even music, for as much as several miles, she is dismayed by its use on the battlefields of Europe.
Margaret’s sportswriter brother Byron Townsend covers the Boston Red Sox and its simpleton teenage sensation, Babe Ruth. He believes the World War will be the defining event of his generation and he intends to go to the front lines as a journalist.
Byron’s wife, Helen, shares Margaret’s passion for radio. They form a strong bond in their quest for independence—a bond that will be severely tested by love affairs and patriotism.
But after a German torpedo sinks the ocean liner, the RMS Lusitania, no one’s life will ever be the same again.

Review:
William Morrison, is a bank employee of an ‘Irish’ con man who is very like a mobster without the mob. William was raised by his aunt and uncle who owned a struggling inn – the Glenfiddich Inn. Although his childhood was a struggle, William was lucky in love, snagging the hand of the lovely (and sexually mischievous) Margaret Townsend. Margaret is the daughter of wealthy news mogul George Townsend. Margaret’s brother, Byron, is a sportswriter who gets to see the Boston Red Sox, and its crude sensation, Babe Ruth, up close. Byron is fed up with the routine and shallowness of sports reporting and longs to be a foreign correspondent on the frontlines of the World War.

Although women are not yet prevalent in the work field, Margaret and her sister-in-law, Helen, become involved with the birth of the radio. The women are convinced that the radio will change the picture of news reporting. This would be true if the government would allow it to be used by the public. Instead, when the United States gets pulled into “the great war’, the government takes control of the radio technology for its own use.

This story follows the Morrison and Townsend family members as they struggle through a depressed economy, corruption, censorship, emerging technology, burgeoning feminism, political unrest and the plague. At times I felt the story was disjointed but this was because the author moved among the threads following the escapades of the four main characters while weaving in the interaction and impact of the extended family.

The blurb notes that William was ‘both captivated and repelled’ by his boss’s amorality. Similarly, I was fascinated and repelled by this frank microcosm of life in Northeast America (New York and Boston) 1915 - 1919. I didn’t care for the foul language and the casual adultery even though it seemed to fit the characters and is probably more realistic than I would like. I have not read much about WWI and I was captivated by the historical details. The author reveals strong research through characters used to show ‘first hand’ views of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, the emergence of the radio, German attacks along the eastern shore and the insidious censorship of the war news that extended even to the rapidly spreading, deadly flu pandemic.

Family drama is not a genre that I seek out but every once in a while I fall into one because of other elements. In this story it was the historical details that caught and kept my interest. The characters are rather shallow but developed sufficiently for the storyline. The writing style and language fit the historic period from the outset, making me feel as if I was watching a vintage movie. I would recommend this to readers who like strong historical detail.

I received this ebook from the author in 2016. It qualifies for my 2017 Mount TBR Challenge and "G" on 2017 Alphabet Soup.

Audio Book Review and Tour #GIveaway: Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1, by Lauren Carr

I found this to be an engaging mystery with strong characters.
Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister

Length: 11 hrs
Series: Thorny Rose Mysteries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-14-16
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Genre: Mystery, Police Procedure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Buy the Book:  Amazon  ~  Barnes & Noble  ~  Add on Gondreads

Publisher's Summary
Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed.
Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer.
Before long, the case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother,. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper, had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike.
In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday sift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer?
©2016 Terri Zaleski (P)2016 Terri Zaleski

Review:
Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, is newly married to a wealthy young woman, Jessica Faraday. He’d like to have more time for his new bride but he unexpectedly finds himself lead on his first homicide case. Although his crotchety boss didn’t plan for him to really take the case from the local police, when he discovers that the fifth woman murdered at the scene was a naval petty officer, he claims the case under NCIS jurisdiction. His boss hasn’t liked Murphy since he was assigned to her office and she resents his good looks, polish and apparent good reputation. She has no idea that he is really part of a secret government force.

Murphy’s father, Joshua, was a former Naval Commander now turned top notch lawyer. Joshua has recently married Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. Cameron has her own past demons as her first husband was killed by a hit and run four months after they wed. She has been fortunate to find love again but still has some healing to do, especially when the FBI inform her that they have just learned the identity of the man who killed her first husband. Cameron flies to Washington, DC, to interview the man. She will visit and stay with Murphy and Jessica but soon Cameron becomes engaged in Murphy’s investigation when a connection is discovered that links to her husband’s death. Jessica has just received her Private Investigator license so she insists on stepping into the investigation too.

The mystery uncovers a past string of suspicious deaths and although they point to a particular person the investigators are having a difficult time gathering hard evidence. The author does a good job connecting the clues and crimes and adding a few twists for extra interest.

I really liked the strong Thornton men and their lovely women. Cameron and Jessica are independent and have strengths to add to the story. There are also children and animal characters who are important parts of the story. I enjoyed getting to know the cat, dogs and Monique, a plate sized tarantula.

Ms. Carr does a good job portraying real characters and developing their personal lives while blending in ‘office politics’ and the mystery. The story is a good mix of cozy and intrigue. It moves along quickly and kept my attention wanting to know what would happen next. I recommend this to readers who like a good mystery with warm characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and earlier series by Ms. Carr. Please watch for my review of the next book, A Fine Year for Murder, which will post on March 16.

Audio Notes: At first I thought the narration by C.J. McAllister was a bit stiff. However, as I got into the story I found the narration worked well to deliver the characters and intrigue. Ultimately the narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

I received this through iReads Book Tours for tour review. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge. .

Book Trailer for KILL AND RUN:

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card (Open internationally)
Ends April 22

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 3, 2017

Happy Friday!
I've had a good week. :-) Today we had a bit of cool weather. 

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 February 24 Pick. There were THREE automatic wins again 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 title blocked which was won.
CAROLL gets Love, Wild and Fair
CAROLNW gets Critical
ELIZABETH gets All She Wants for Christmas

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 24 Pick:
CHRISTINA gets Love Letters From a Duke (through the block)
and
MIKI 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.}

I don't limit my book madness to March.
Image was found at University of Wisconsin Green Bay..

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
PAIRS:
Betty Neels: The Girl With Green Eyes and the Damsel in Green
Linda Howard: The Touch of Fire and Loving Forever
SINGLES:
The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke by Jillian Hunter
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn
Love Letters From a Duke (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth Boyle
Love Wild and Fair by Bertrice Small
Only With Your Love (Vallerands Book 2) by Lisa Kleypas
Scandalous Love by Brenda Joyce
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Valentine by Jane Feather
A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family Book 9) by Victoria Alexander
Winter Fire by Jo Beverly


New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
SINGLE:
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Critical by Robin Cook


New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

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

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

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 1,044+ 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!