Audible Book Review: The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy by Mark Goodwin

This is an interesting story full of political conspiracies and a compelling view of what could happen in America in the near future.
The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
Series: The Days of Noah, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-13-14
Publisher: Goodwin America Corp.
Genre: Futuristic, Sci Fi, Political Conspiracy, Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Could we be living in a time of which there is more prophetic writings than of any period in history? Noah Parker, like many in the United States, has been asleep at the wheel. During his complacency, the founding precepts of America have been slowly, systematically destroyed by a conspiracy that dates back hundreds of years. The signs can no longer be ignored and Noah is forced to pull his head out of the sand and see things for what they really are. Has his awakening come too late or can he and those around him reclaim the freedoms and principles which have been lost? Watch through the eyes of Noah Parker and his family as a global empire takes shape, ancient writings are fulfilled and the last days fall upon the once great, United States of America. The Days of Noah, Book One: Conspiracy is a fast paced fiction thriller which looks at how modern conspiracies might play into Biblical prophecy about the end times.
©2014 Goodwin America Corp. (P)2014 Goodwin America Corp.

Review:
I had been eyeing Mr. Goodwin’s work for a while and I am glad to have listened to this. The story follows two lines of characters to present a plausible theory of government manipulation by a secret group of powerful players.

Noah and his wife, Cassie, are Christian believers living fairly normal lives. He is a teacher and she works with a newspaper while homeschooling their seven-year old daughter, Lacy. Cassie has a strong belief that freedoms are being encroached on and will only become more limited. She is a 'prepper' planning with food stores, guns and some investments in precious metals. The couple belong to a small group from their church and many of them are quiet preppers too.

One day Noah’s students are discussing demolition and the possibilities that the 9/11 bombings were set internally and not a terrorist attack. Another day the forbidden topic of creation is raised in Noah’s class room. Noah merely states that some people believe that creation is a sounder ‘theory” than evolution. Noah is arrested for violating the government course curriculum restrictions.

While friends step forward to help bail Noah out of jail, authorities force their way into his home in a traumatic scene, killing their dog, confiscating guns and computers and placing Lacy in the clutches of a social services officer. Some of the officers realize that the government has gone too far and they quit their positions to support Noah and Cassie. Church friends find a good lawyer to fight the criminal and parental abuse charges and they all help set up a protest against the officers who bullied Cassie.

The second line of the story follows Elliot as an Intelligence Officer with the CIA. Elliot’s job is to monitor unusual purchases of firearms, ammunition, long term food storage, tactical supplies, gold and silver and components for explosives. Elliot reports some concerns regarding cryptocurrency purchases to his supervisor, John Jones. Although Jones downplays Elliot’s concerns he soon starts meeting with Elliot in secret and telling him to prepare for drastic changes.

I have read other near future, ‘America in crisis’ stories but most did not have the extent of conspiracy theories this book presents. The author creates likeable characters and I was pulled into the good pacing of events while rooting for the protagonists. I liked the combination of the faith beliefs and the all too plausible political possibilities. I recommend this to others who are interested in erosion of American freedoms and possible events leading up to end of the world times, or at least end of the world as we know it.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce has become one of the “go to” narrators for sci fi and prepper stories. Pierce does a solid job narrating the characters so, after a rather slow beginning, they become real, placing the listener in the story. I enjoyed listening to this story and look forward to more in the series.

I chose this from my Audible shelves for TBR challenge, Audio Book Challenge for "D" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 21, 2017

Happy Friday!
Gosh - I don't know where this week went. Just push every night.

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 July 14 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 title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 14 Pick:
JANHVI gets a GC.
CAROLNW gets Deep Freeze.

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.}

Cozies would be lovely for summer reading!
Image found at Cozy Experience.com.

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
PAIRS [or Singles] – Since I have four sets of pairs I will work this by first two pairs that go the others go as singles OR you may choose a title as a single and if won that pair falls into single.
Joan Johnston: The Loner and the Cowboy -- Moved to singles
Nora Roberts: Sea Swept (some spine creases) and Genuine Lies
Kat Martin: Midnight Sun and Perfect Sin
Linda Howard (aka Krista Janssen): Cry No More and Indigo Fire (spine wear) -- Moved to singles
SINGLES:
The Loner by Joan Johnston
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
Cry No More by Linda Howard
Indigo Fire by Linda Howard (spine wear)
Garden of Scandal by Jennifer Blake
A Rogue’s Heart by Debra Lee Brown
The Night Remembers by Kathleen Eagle (spine wear)
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
Hurricane by Karen Harper
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
Sail by James Patterson
Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley


New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Identity: Unknown by Suzanne Brockmann
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner
Anna’s Book by Barbara Vine (Audio Cassette)
Passions Treasure by Betina Krahn
My Reckless Surrender by Anna Campbell
Led Astray By A Rake by Sara Bennett
Deep Freeze by Lisa Jackson
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Valley of Bones by Eric Wilson
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn (Hardcover)
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)


New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn



New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016

Some books for Christmas: 
SINGLES:
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown


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 -- All Gone

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 1,083+ 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!

Tour Book Review: Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar

This is a lovely, uplifting collection of poems and encouraging affirmations.

Poetry and Ponderings: A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry
by Diamante Lavendar

File Size: 4355 KB
Print Length: 138 pages
Publisher: Written Dreams Publishing; 1 edition (April 26, 2017)
ASIN: B071NHM79W
Genre: Poetry, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

From Award-winning author of Breaking the Silence, Poetry and Ponderings by Diamante Lavendar
A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry

A raw collection of religious poetry and prose based on one Christian woman’s experiences of being abused, and how she healed herself with God’s love in order to move past the assaults.
In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault. Knowing herself the very difficult journey of being a victim, Diamante was abused as a child, and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Many years later, she started to heal under God’s watchful eyes and was able to find love in her life again. She shares these truly inspiring, religious poems in the hopes that it may help other victims heal their hurts, as she did while writing the poetry collection.

Review:
When this book was offered for review I sensed it would be one I would like. As I started to read it this was confirmed. Some of the poems reflect a foundation of faith, trust, healing and hope in God. Others reflect emotional memories and positive views to face the future.

I have not suffered through abuse and I certainly cannot imagine what Ms. Lavendar’s childhood of abuse was like and the pain she came through. She does not make it graphic but she does share enough to give the reader a feeling of sorrow for the sadness of a child denied love and protection. Somewhere along her journey she found faith, healing and the beauty of love. She shares this beauty and wonderful positive encouragements in this book.

Not all the affirmations are ‘new’ thoughts but they are beautifully worded and reminded me of encouragement cards I used to buy for friends in my youth. I could share many of the affirmations but one I particularly like is on page 117: “Hardships are often gifts in roughly presented packages.”

One of my favorite of the poems was the second poem, on page 2, Take Time to Know Me. This is a poem where God encourages His child to stop and look around at creation and see Him there and know His love. Another is Laughter, on page 110, which encourages finding laughter on a hard, trying day as it will help you triumph over the trial.

I soon thought of several friends to whom I would like to gift this book as I know they would appreciate the positive beauty and affirmations of life and love. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs a lifting word and to those who just want to experience the beauty of recognizing joy in the journey, no matter how difficult.

I am thankful to the author and tour to have received this print book for tour review through Poetic Book Tours.

Advance Praise:

Poetry and Ponderings is the most loving and beautiful dedication to Diamante Lavendar's daughter. Anybody who has gone through a grieving time needs to read this classic expression of love and devotion. I tip my hat to the author for this marvelous collection of wisdom, insight and truth. -Mel Novak, Actor, Best known for his role in Bruce Lee's Game Of Death.

Tragedy turned triumph. Poetry and Ponderings beautifully leads the reader from gut wrenching pain to glorious freedom and healing. A must read for survivors and those who love them. -Sarah Boes, Founder of More Precious Than Rubies, reaching victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Diamante's Poetry and Ponderings are an affirmation, and flow to the close of her book with the summation of her awakening. She has, in each poem, walked us through to her understanding and acceptance; we are the creation of God's breath, as souls to live life to the fullest, and with forgiveness...'Writing is her way of leaving her mark: one poem, one story at a time.' This book achieves this endeavor. -Sam Eastwood, International Poet

About the Poet:

Diamante Lavendar has been in love with reading since she was a child. Diamante believes that everyone should try to leave their own positive mark on the world, and to make it a better place for all. Writing is her way of leaving her mark—one story at a time. She began writing in college and has published poetry in anthologies over the years. Most of her writing is very personal and stems from her own experiences, and those of her family and friends. She writes to encourage hope and possibility to those who read her stories. To learn more about Diamante Lavendar and her books, please visit her website at: www.diamantelavendar.com.

Sunday Post July 16, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 17, 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.

Hubby and I spent three nights in Orlando. We saw all the plays and most of the tours at The Holy Land Experience on Friday. Saturday we relaxed and enjoyed movies with a free DVD pass. It was a day of sci fis:
The 5th Wave, Jupiter Ascending, Oblivian and Passengers. I had read The 5th Wave and we had seen parts of the next two. Hubby was reluctant when I described Passengers but he ended up liking that one the best.

Reading was very good. I finished five books: one ebook, two audio books and two print books. I posted five reviews, one with giveaway, along with all of my usual memes.

I visited about 30 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Unbound Worlds for Science Fiction and Fantasy book news (Penguin Random House).
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 9, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 10, 2017.

• A (ABJ)- Audio Book Review: Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis; Cozy Mystery, Animals; my rating 4.25.

• eNG- Book Review: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller; Historical Romance, Inspirational, Regency; my rating 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 14, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/20/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7 by A. American; Post Apocalyptic, Survival; my rating 3.75.

• eTBR- Book Review: The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story (The Soul Summoner) by Elicia Hyder; Police Procedure; my rating 4.25.

• LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3 by Shelley Gray; Western Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 4.25. Open US for print copy. Ending 7/22/2017.

• Sharing Beyond Books #311 Comment Giveaway July 15, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/22/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 16, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. Print (LBC)

A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray
Ladies Book Club enjoyed this sweet western romance with vulnerable characters.
My Review, with giveaway, is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (ABJ)

The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
This is a compelling view of what could happen in America.
I chose this from my Audible TBR shelf for "D".
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Wild Horse Springs (Ransom Canyon)
by Jodi Thomas
I enjoyed this fun romance.
Received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 10
I have mixed feelings on this episode.
I pulled this in from my Audible TBR Shelf for "C" in Alphabet.
Click on book title for full description.

5. Print (Poetic Book Tours)

Poetry and Ponderings: A Journey of Abuse and Healing Through Poetry
by Diamante Lavendar
This is a lovely collection. I will post my review on 7/20.
In this rare collection of nonfiction Christian poetry and prose based on real life experiences, Diamante Lavendar, a victim of abuse, shows the reader the raw emotions of pain, hate, and denial that occur before a victim of abuse can find a way to heal from the pains of assault. Knowing herself the very difficult journey of being a victim, Diamante was abused as a child, and turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Many years later, she started to heal under God’s watchful eyes and was able to find love in her life again. She shares these truly inspiring, religious poems in the hopes that it may help other victims heal their hurts, as she did while writing the poetry collection.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG-Tour)

Blink
A psychological thriller with a killer twist you'll never forget
by K.L. Slater
This is interesting suspense.
I received this from NetGalley.
What if the person you love most in the world was in terrible danger … because of you?
Three years ago, Toni’s five-year-old daughter Evie disappeared after leaving school. The police have never been able to find her. There were no witnesses, no CCTV, no trace.
But Toni believes her daughter is alive. And as she begins to silently piece together her memories, the full story of the past begins to reveal itself, and a devastating truth.
Toni’s mind is trapped in a world of silence, her only chance to save herself is to manage the impossible. She must find a way to make herself heard. She must find her daughter.
A compelling, gripping thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you awake until the early hours. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Into the Black: Odyssey One
Written by: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Benjamin L. Darcie
Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
I picked this from my Audible TBR shelf as "I" in my Alphabet Challenge.
Publisher's Summary
Beyond the confines of our small world, far from the glow of our star, lie a galaxy and universe much larger and more varied than anyone on Earth can possibly imagine. For the new NAC spacecraft Odyssey and her crew, the unimaginable facets of this untouched world are about to become reality.The Odyssey's maiden voyage is an epic adventure destined to make history.
Captain Eric Weston and his crew encounter horrors, wonders, monsters, and people; all of which will test their resolve, challenge their abilities, and put in sharp relief what is necessary to be a hero.
A first-rate military-science-fiction epic that combines old-school space opera and modern storytelling, Into the Black: Odyssey One is a riveting, exhilarating adventure with vivid details, rich mythology, and relentless pacing.
©2012 Evan Currie (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (PUYB)

The Duke needs a Wife: The Belles of Bath
by Katy Walters
I received this from Pump Up Your Book Campaign for review before 8/3.
On the untimely demise of her parents, Miss Cassandra Whitney endures abject poverty raising her siblings. She faces further torment as her landlord, the odious Baron Scudder, threatens her with eviction, if she refuses to assent to his offer of marriage to her younger sister Belle. As Cassandra fights to save her family, she inherits a titled estate and a ruin of a castle.
News of Casandra’s inheritance travels fast, reaching the highest circles in the ton. The Dowager Duchess of Taunton immediately sees her as a worthy match for her son Maximillian the 6th Duke of Taunton a renowned rakehell. The dowager also plans to take control over the castle which would be a prestigious venue for her many balls and hunting weekends. However, neither Cassandra nor Maximillian has any desire to wed. The Duke is more than inclined to enjoy his various mistresses without the entanglement of matrimony; besides his time is mainly caught up with horses, gaming and his club. What with her siblings, the estate and a ruin of a castle to renovate Cassandra could not possibly entertain the idea of courtship.
Both did not anticipate the manipulative powers of the dowager who slyly arranges a meeting between them.
On seeing Cassandra, Max is suitably impressed with her wit and ironic humour. Already tiring of one of his mistresses, she would be a welcome replacement. Although charmed with his handsome looks and seductive overtures, Cassandra puts him firmly in his place.
Can Cassandra resist the devilish overtures of the Duke and the devious ploys of the dowager?

4. eBook/Kindle

Jeopardy in July: A Jamie Quinn Mystery (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 5)
by Barbara Venkataraman
I received this from the author and thought I should get it read in July.
Old people were dying at an alarming rate at La Vida Boca, a posh assisted living facility in Boca Raton, Florida. With its sterling reputation, dedicated staff, and top-notch medical care, none of the deaths are considered suspicious, but when members of the poker club start to die under strange circumstances, attorney Jamie Quinn finds herself once again embroiled in a mystery. With help from her new friend, Jessie Sandler, and her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie uncovers a crime that took place forty years earlier. Can she stop the killer in time? Or is she in danger of becoming the next victim?

July 16, 2017 - I am two days behind 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 five books and posted five reviews. I have four reviews current and one for later release. I still need to add books at Goodreads and my latest reviews to Goodreads and Amazon or Audible.
I am down to 6 NetGalley Titles and down to 8 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 didn't get review books this week but have this month's Ladies Book Club book.
I am still resisting NetGalley.
I picked up one Audible on sale but didn't purchase any 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 didn't pick up any review titles this week but I have pulled a book from my box for Ladies Book Club. I picked these up in 2015 for $1.99 a copy.

A Matter of Character (The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Book 3)
by Robin Lee Hatcher
This looks like fun. We will discuss it August 12.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but got one on sale. I need to make my June credit selections but it is hard to choose!
Pax (Sale  $3.95)
By: Sara Pennypacker
Narrator: Michael Curran-Dorsano
Duration: 5 hrs and 35 mins
I have been eyeing this and decided to get it when I saw the sale price.

Free

I picked up Week Twelve SYNC Audio titles:
THE DORITO EFFECT: THE SURPRISING NEW TRUTH ABOUT FOOD AND FLAVOR by Mark Schatzker, Narrated by Chris Patton (Dreamscape Media)
SUGAR by Deirdre Riordan Hall, Narrated by Tara Sands (Brilliance Audio)

Here are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (the last three of these may still be free)
 
Watching You: A Police/Psychological thriller with a mind-bending twist 
(Detective Kerri Blasco Book 3)
by J.A. Schneider

 
The Man With Two Names: A Novel of Ancient Rome
(The Sertorius Scrolls Book 1)
by Vincent B. Davis II

The Key to Justice (A Marc Kadella Legal Mystery Book 1)
by Dennis Carstens

Hidden: A Northern Waste Novel
by Eve Silver

A Home for Haley (Crystal Springs Homecoming Romances Book 3)
by Mary Jane Morgan


I added 58 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 Encouragement July 16, 2017

Last week’s Sunday school lesson was from Acts 24:24-26 and titled Paul’s Big Three. Paul was telling Felix and his wife about his faith. “As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened.” v25. This is a message that was not a ‘tickle the ear’ message. The message frightened Felix, who had enough belief to be uncomfortable. Felix lured his wife from another so he was in an adulterous relationship. In those days, the Roman culture was full of sin, adultery, homosexuality, even bestiality. Felix was familiar with the Way.

The lost need to hear that the day of Judgment is coming. Righteousness (true freedom) is a basic need of all men. There is a consequence at the time of Judgment. The Bible, especially the words of Jesus and the letters of Paul promote self-control which is needed to be victorious.
We need to choose to deny the flesh; the lusts, anger, gluttony, and greed of the body and mind. Galatians 5:19-21. The lusts of eye, lusts of flesh, and pride of life; passions, pleasure and pride.

Our human nature is selfish. We are drawn away by our desires. Mind over matter is temporary. Control is different for each individual. We have to train ourselves to temperance. John 2:16. We have to take control of mind, mouth and body.

We do not have the ability or power to rule or regulate ourselves in our own strength. We need to seek control through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:4-8.

I wasn't sure which song I wanted. I found many choices.

It took more than an hour of wonderful listening. Then I chose this.
Our God is Able!

Verses for Today:
2 Peter 1:4-8 NLT
4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Help me Lord to grow more in your strength of character and love for others.