Sunday Post July 2, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 3, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am still having busy times at the office. We hope to get a day of relaxation this week with the Fourth of July. We will probably work only half day on Monday too.
Happy 150th to our friends in Canada and Happy 241 to USA!

I had good reads this week even though I only finished two: one audio and one ebook. I am far along in the next two though. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway, along with all of my usual memes.

I visited about 30 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Library of Clean Reads who shares clean and interesting books - also good reports from BEA.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 25, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 26, 2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale; Middle Grade; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 30, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/29/2017.

• eNG- Book Review: Dear Heart: The Courting Letters by Judith Pinkerton Josephson; Historical Fiction, Romance; my rating 4.25.

• LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt; Religious, Inspirational; my rating 4.5. U.S. Only Ending 7/15/2017

• Sharing Beyond Books #309 Comment Giveaway July 1, 2017. Open Worldwide, Ending 7/8/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 2, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ABJ)

Mission Impawsible: Paws & Claws Mystery Series, Book 4
Written by: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault
Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
This is an easy listen, cozy mystery.
I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Elusive Miss Ellison
by Carolyn Miller
This is lovely.
This is from my NetGalley shelf.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
I have enjoyed three fourths of this and looking forward to the conclusion.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG-Tour)

Serenity Harbor: A Heartwarming Small Town Romance
(Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
I am 50% in and enjoying this good story.
I received this through NetGalley for review on July 6
as part of Little Bird Publicity Tour.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print (LBC)

A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray
I picked this book up for Ladies Book Club. We will discuss this on July 8.
Product Description
Texas, 1874. Long ago, Scout Proffitt gave up on ever being a man of honor like his Civil War hero brother Clayton. But when Scout steps foot on the rundown remnants of the Circle C ranch, he wonders if maybe-just maybe-the Lord has something different intended for him.
Rosemarie has lived most of her life doubting her worth and shouldering the blame for her brother's death. But when a stranger rides onto her ranch, claiming he owns it, she suddenly is given a choice: either keep looking at the dark side of life . . . or dare to dream.

4. Print Book (PUYB)

FIFO 50 STATES
by Hayley Rose
I started reading this with my granddaughter but will finish it this week for review.
I received this for Pump Up Your Book review.
In this delightful rhyming story, Fifo, a warm and loveable brown bear, is bitten by the travel bug. Fifo dreams of diging up diamonds in Arkansas, looking for fossils in Kansas, enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo in Louisiana, and even seeing a Broadway show in New York. Yes, America is an exciting place! Fifo's second book is full of adventure. A colorful reference-like geography book, Fifo discovers the wonders each state has to offer. He learns along the way each state's capital, shape, flag, motto, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless! So, come along with Fifo and you'll soon discover the beauty of America one state to another. A positive experience for both Fifo and the reader. Learning should always be this much fun!

I am sure I will start a TBR Audible for my Alphabet Challenge but I haven't decided which yet.

July 2, 2017 - I am up to date in the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

Some of my reading time is going to a Wednesday night study we are doing called Freedom Course.

I completed two books and posted three reviews; this means I have three reviews current and one for later release. I still need to add the children's books at Goodreads but I added most of my reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.
I am down to 8 NetGalley Titles and still 10 author titles in my queue.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly).  
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I reached 91% feedback at NetGalley this week so decided to resist picking up more to see if I can creep a little higher.
I resisted Audible Daily Deals this week also but picked up two $.99 Kindle titles.
I also picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked this book for Ladies Book Club but didn't list it when purchased.

A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray
See full information above.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased two Kindle titles for $.99:
Riverbend Road (Haven Point)
RaeAnne Thayne
I'm enjoying the current Haven Point by this author so I thought I'd get this one on sale.

The Safe Lands Complete Collection:
Contains Captives, Outcasts, and Rebels
Jill Williamson
A review noted this as a Christian Dystopian which caught my eye.

Free

I picked up Week Nine SYNC Audio titles:
AMERICAN NIGHT: THE BALLAD OF JUAN JOSÉ by Richard Montoya, Developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney, Performed by Keith Jefferson, Richard Montoya, Todd Nakagawa, Sean San Jose, Kimberly Scott, Herbert Siguenza, Tom Virtue, Libby West, Caro Zeller (L.A. Theatre Works)
MY NAME IS NOT EASY by Debby Dahl Edwardson, Narrated by Nick Podehl and Amy Rubinate (Brilliance Audio)

Here are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (Three of these may still be free)
 
Mail Order Brides of Texas (A Five Book Set Plus A Bonus Book)
Kathleen Ball

The Closing (Whippoorwill Hollow Book 1)
Ken Oder

City of Ghosts (GhostWriters Book 1)
J.H. Moncrieff

The After Days Trilogy
Scott Medbury

 
W: The Planner, The Chosen
Alexandra Swann, Joyce Swann



I added 65 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encoragement July 2, 2017

This morning our Sunday School teacher continued the lesson on Adversity. Once again it fit well with Pastor’s sermon message. The SS message can be summarized as noting that adversity is often used to cause people to turn to God. It is important how we respond to adversity. Do we remember that God will see us ‘through it all’? Paul counted it a privilege to be persecuted for his faith. The children/people of God must be careful not to be so content in their circumstances that they become complacent. (Just as the Israelites in the wilderness considered returning to Egypt where they were slaves.) Adversity is a road we need to travel to get where God wants us to be. Adversity builds character. It shapes us into what we will become; who we are meant to be in Christ.

Pastor’s Sermon was on Freedom… fitting as we are in Independence weekend and our American independence will be celebrated Tuesday, July 4. We are thankful for freedom but sometimes it is taken for granted. We can see around us that people trade freedom for other things.

The United States Constitution describes three inalienable rights. They were not achieved by man but considered God given: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sadly, it seems that people often move from freedom to bondage. People have tendency to drift back toward their former condition as slaves. (Just as the Israelites in the wilderness considered returning to Egypt where they were slaves.)

We are slaves to possessions, debt, confusion about God's laws, sins, addiction, and disbelief.
Matthew 19:16-30 tells of a young man who wanted to know how to achieve eternal life. Christ tells the young man to give up all he has and “follow me”. Freedom in Christ comes with a price; the man was unwilling to give up his wealth. He was a slave to possessions.

The Point: To understand and appreciate the freedom we have in Christ, we need a full understanding of 'serving' Jesus.

"Serving" has a different, deeper meaning than we generally think. Romans 5:18-21 6:5-8 19-23. A slave is a person who belongs to another. If we choose to follow Christ, then we serve Christ as a willing slave of Christ. We are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. There is no third option. True freedom is in giving ourselves to Christ. It is a freedom that was purchased at a great price.
The truth sets you free and you are free indeed. John 8:31-36. But now we belong to Christ. Colossians 1:13.

And if we belong to Christ, why do we continue to live in bondage? We too have been crucified with Christ; we are a new creation with Christ living in us. Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
How do we live this life of freedom? We give thanks for the cross; then we give up ownership of self. When we see Satan’s lie that 'freedom is found outside of Jesus', then we will understand that true freedom is found only in Christ.

Like those drawn to the freedom of America, when others see people free in Christ, they are drawn to God.

(It took me some time today to find the song I wanted. 

I had a good time listening to some powerful songs.)

I ended up with a song new to me - but it seems to fit.

Verses for Today:
Romans 6:19
19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.

Lord, thank you for the freedom you give me to be free of my human, fallen nature.  Help me to celebrate my freedom in You and give freedom for You to live in me. Help me to remember that as your servant I agree to be your willing slave.

Sharing Beyond Books #309 Comment Giveaway July 1, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Sorry this is late - I had a fun day spending time with my hubby today. This evening we got caught up watching Sons of Liberty.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Well many of us were adventurous when younger but not so much anymore. Only Janhvi and Fredamans are adventurous; Linda would like to but claims she is too lazy. :-)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #308 comments is: #1 Mystica who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #309

(One Question.)

Miki asks: Has the opinion/ behaviour of an author (political or not) ever made you stop reading his/her books??

I can imagine this could happen. If an author was particularly rude, disrespectful or hateful, I probably would choose not to read their work. I can't think of any that I have stopped reading due to comments or behavior. There are actors I choose not to watch as a result of their behavior/comments.

Image found at Pinterest.

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. Miki asks: Has the opinion/ behaviour of an author (political or not) ever made you stop reading his/her books??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 8, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt

This is a ‘devilishly’ engaging look at the devil’s work against believers.
As One Devil to Another: A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters
by Richard Platt (Author), Walter Hooper (Preface)

Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (April 1, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1414371665
Genre: Religious, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

See more of Richard Platt's work, including glimpses of work in progress, at RichardPlattAuthor.com.
As One Devil to Another is an astonishing debut work that C. S. Lewis's biographer and foremost Lewis authority Walter Hooper calls "a stunning achievement, the finest example of the genre of diabolical correspondence to appear since this genre was popularized by C. S. Lewis." Enter into this chilling and diabolical tale, one that reveals the very tricks and strategies of Hell. Through a series of letters between devils created by Platt, senior devil Slashreap trains his young protégé, Scardagger, to win an individual soul away from Heaven and into their clutches. As the devils plot their way to triumph, they reveal the spiritual dangers and risks we face in today's society. Their frighteningly accurate perspective on issues such as contemporary technology and sexual mores is interwoven with timeless matters such as the power of prayer, the purpose of suffering, and the promises held out by Heaven . . . and Hell. Destined to become a modern classic, As One Devil to Another is a brilliantly written, deeply unsettling perspective on twenty-first-century society . . . a glimpse of ourselves through the eyes of those who have embraced their underworldly existence.

Review:
Scardagger is a young demon chosen to train under the senior devil, Slashreap. The training is accomplished by letters written from Slashreap to Scardagger instructing him how he should deal with a young human to keep her from becoming a believer of the Adversary, God. The young woman is a college student so she is an appropriate place to have ‘liberal’, and ‘progressive’ influences. The devils can use many tools made available like television, computers and cell phones to distract the young charge from any thoughts of charity and compassion to help others with the love of Christ.

Unfortunately, the young lady has an Aunt who is a warrior of the Lord. The Aunt offers the girl a place to stay to save expenses while in school and to be there to help the Aunt who is becoming older. The young woman has also made a friend of an elderly gardener at the college who is another warrior for Christ. While sitting in the garden she meets a young man contemplating a squirrel and they begin a friendship.

Scardagger doesn’t realize how dangerous it will be for the girl to meet the gardener and to live with her Aunt and be influenced by their love and faith. Slashreap of course sends letters chastising Scardagger for his failures but the slide to faith has already begun.

This is a wonderful modern version in the vein of the original of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. This book is written in a very similar manner with the letters in sarcastic and archaic, formal tone but referring to modern trappings and circumstances. There is even a tie back reference to the original conversation that led to the writing of the Letters by C.S. Lewis.

I had read (and listened to) the original book so when I saw this, an up to date version, I decided it would be a good read for the Ladies Book Club at church. They were a bit confused when they started reading as it is written from the view of the devils so it took a bit to get our Christian minds to recognize the work of the devil. It was not our usual fare but they found it surprisingly engaging and enlightening. I do recommend this to those who read the original and to others who might be interested in how the devil thinks to prevent belief.

I selected this book especially for our Ladies Book Club.

GIVEAWAY:

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the Author's Website.

* This contest is open to US only for paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 15, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on July 16, 2017.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email

Book Review: Dear Heart: The Courting Letters by Judith Pinkerton Josephson

This is a charming dual romance.
Dear Heart: The Courting Letters
by Judith Pinkerton Josephson (Author), Kirsten Josephson (Illustrator)

File Size: 24426 KB
Print Length: 258 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0996719962
Publisher: eFrog Press (October 20, 2016)
ASIN: B01M0FYT3O
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In 2010 teacher Lisa Anderson has almost given up on love after a failed, longtime relationship and Internet dating disasters. In a cluttered attic, she discovers an antique writing box labeled “Courting Letters.” Untying the beribboned packets inside, she finds tattered envelopes, their contents penned more than a century before. As Lisa begins to read, she learns that in 1907 in Ipswich, England, the authors, Gertie and Fred, meet. Just as their friendship deepens into something more, Fred and his family emigrate to America in search of a better life. Hopes for the budding relationship fade. Long months pass. Then a letter from Fred to Gertie arrives. The two begin a dance of written words, but the romance is fraught with obstacles, not the least of which is the Atlantic Ocean. Separation and distance also conspire against Lisa when her intriguing new beau must return to his native Spain. Dear Heart: The Courting Letters weaves a tapestry from two intersecting love stories. Will the threads hold or pull apart?

Review:
Lisa Anderson is a school teacher in her mid-thirties. She has mostly moved on from a longtime relationship that ended with her beau saying something like ‘I’m not interested anymore’. Lisa’s mother has recently died so Lisa is cleaning out her mother’s house to prepare it for sale. Lisa finds an antique writing box in the attic that is full of “courting letters”. Lisa doesn’t recognize the names of the writers but she soon becomes enchanted with their courtship through letters.

Gertie and Fred met in England near the turn of the century. Fred moved to Chicago to help find work for his younger brothers and himself. He was sad to leave Gertie behind but he had a duty to take care of his family. Still, he had never met anyone like Gertie and he couldn’t help but write to her, sharing his sentimental musings keeping her advised of his activities.

Gertie was a young woman of 35 who spent her years helping in the family business. After her father died, Gertie helped her frail mother take care of their home as a boarding house. Gertie had thought a relationship was developing with Fred but then he announced he was moving to America. Gertie is ensnared with Fred’s sensitive prose and sharing through his letters. She has boarders who show interest in her but she still has dreams of Fred. Gertie must decide if she should accept an offer of marriage rather than continue to wait for Fred who has never spoken for her hand.

Unexpectedly Lisa meets a good-looking man and they discover common interests and mutual attraction. Things are developing nicely until he stops coming by and calling. He doesn’t answer her calls either. Lisa tries to overcome her new disappointment. Meanwhile, Lisa is sure there aren’t gentle, poetic men like Fred anymore and she wonders who this couple were and what happened to them.

This is a sample photo from the 

collection of Francis Frith at francisfrith.com.

The letter courtship is charming and the story shares wonderful word images of the times and places. There are lovely illustrations along with postcards and photography of the settings shared which add to the interest. This is not an action story but it has a gentle, quaint charm in the presentation through the letters. I enjoyed Lisa’s struggles and triumph in romance too. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet, gentle romance.

I received this title through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.