Sunday Words of Encouragement July 30, 2017

We prayed for friends who had surgery and losses. We also gave thanks for doctors and freedoms. Our substitute Sunday School teacher continued the last two weeks of messages on self-control and love.

Pastor continued the series on Dangerous. Last week’s dangerous prayer was “search me”, this week’s dangerous prayer is “use me”. This is another prayer that can be risky. When we pray this prayer we shouldn’t be surprised if God will stretch us, as He often does. He often moves us outside of our comfort zone. Start each day with "use me". The book of Acts shares how the disciples allowed God to use them with action: first “Stay and wait for power”. Second, “Go with the message of good news”.

Acts 17:28 says “For in him we live and move and exist…”. That is the correct statement. It is not “for me, He lives and moves and exists”. Our lives are to be lived for God. Whatever skills He has given us, we are to use well for His glory. Romans 12:13-16; Philippians 2:12-17.

The Point: The reason for our daily existence is to be used by God. So pray...
Use Me.

God has trouble using us when our lives are crowded by appointments, activities or sins. We are told to keep ourselves pure as a special utensil, so we will be ready for God to use for His good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-26. We can be an instrument of honor or dishonor.

What is standing in the way of allowing God to use you? This is not a church thing but an individual thing. We should pray for God to “Use me” in my family, my work, with my friends. Is it true in your life? Can you say of yourself: “In Him I live and move and exist”?

Write USE ME on a blank piece of paper; then journal each day how He uses you. And if you are not used, ask “Why didn't use me?”

This is a good song. If you go to the link you can see the words.

Verses for Today:
2 Timothy 2:21 NIV
21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.


Lord thank you for the skills that you have blessed me with. Help me pray each morning: “use me” then use the skills You gave to further Your kingdom.

Sharing Beyond Books #313 Comment Giveaway July 29, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Seven commenters believe in love at first sight and three are open to the idea. Five believe in instant attraction but that it takes time for true love to grow. One person does not believe in love at first sight.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #312 comments is: #7 RITA 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 #313

(One Question.)

My question asks: What cover images get you to look twice??

My eyes get caught by animals of many kinds: dogs, cats, horses, birds, and dragons for starters. Also, I take a second look at clockwork/cyber creations, space, planets and spaceships. I don't like 'bodice ripper' covers.

Image found at Pinterest saved from mycoverpoint.com.

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.

The commenters for July were: Miki, MaryP, Poetryinleaves and Natalija. Random.org chose 1 so MIKI gets a GC.

Your turn to share. My question asks: What cover images get you to look twice??

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 August 5, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: The Duke needs a Wife: The Belles of Bath by Katy Walters

This steamy regency romance has a decent plot and reads easily.

The Duke needs a Wife: The Belles of Bath
by Katy Walters

File Size: 4292 KB
Print Length: 188 pages
Publisher: Rucrofts Publishing.; 2 edition (April 22, 2017)
ASIN: B0713NVHR2
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

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?

Review:
This regency is a bit racier than I like. Cassandra is a lovely character but Max is a gritty rake.
Cassandra and her siblings are barely making ends meet after their parents have both died. The greedy, loathsome nobleman who owns their humble home is insistent on marrying Cassandra’s beautiful sister, Belle. Belle has no interest in Baron Scudder as she is affianced to her childhood sweetheart, Jack, one of the farmers. Cassie inherits a castle and determines that many of the ill-treated famer tenants and villages should move to the castle to help her set up house and estate, leaving a furious Baron behind.

Maximillian, the 6th Duke of Taunton, is a renowned rakehell with multiple mistresses and no interest in finding a wife. His mother, The Dowager Duchess of Taunton, thinks it’s time for Max to take a wife and she thinks a humble young lady who has inherited a historic castle would make a perfect bride. Particularly since the Dowager wants to get control of the castle so she can invite and impress her ton friends. The Dowager connives to have Max travel with her to the castle where she invites herself, and entourage, to stay.

Max and Cassie can see the machinations of the Dowager but they are hard pressed to stay out of her way. Although Cassie hadn’t planned to marry as she describes herself as a “butterball”. Max finds her voluptuous curves enticing. Although he is crude and aggressive, he has promised not to take Cassie’s virginity until she asks him.

Max and Cassie grow in friendship as they work together to renovate the castle. But Baron Scudder is still chasing Belle and objecting to the removal of the farmers and villagers. This creates danger and tension that puts Max in the position to protect Cassie and her sister.

Although Cassie is immediately likeable, I can’t say the same for Max. Max is introduced as a crass, almost vulgar, womanizer. I’ve read many historical romances with rakehells and I prefer those who still show a sense of gentlemanliness, especially around innocents. Other than the crass attitude and steamy interludes, the plot, with interfering mother and revengeful suitor, is reasonable and engaging. Although this is more gritty than I like for this genre, those who like steamy regencies might want to try this.

I received this from Pump Up Your Book Campaign for review.

Audible Book Review: Into the Black: Odyssey One by Evan Currie

This is an engaging first contact, space military adventure.
Into the Black: Odyssey One
Written by: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Benjamin L. Darcie

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
Series: Odyssey One, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-27-12
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Space Opera, Military Action
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

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.

Review:
The Odyssey is the first spacecraft sent out from earth with a crew culled from the best of the best. They were really on a test mission, intended to see what the Odyssey can manage and do a little exploring beyond the Solar System. They didn’t plan upon warping into the debris of a devastating battle…and rescuing a survivor. Now they know there are other human races in the universe… and other unknown, and apparently brutal, alien beings.

Captain Weston is new to the position of North American Confederation (NAC) spaceship captain but he is a battle experienced pilot having led the legendary Archangel Flight Group, the specialized fighter units. Weston tries to return their rescued passenger to her nearest planet world only to find an unimaginable situation. Now he must decide if he jumps out of this galaxy to return home or flies into a battle that isn’t their business… or is it?

The characters are likeable and I wasn’t bothered by some familiarity among the ranks that wouldn’t be expected in a real military protocols. The other galaxy human characters have different backgrounds, views and technology that make the interaction interesting. The space travel tachyon (dissolving and restoring particles) is creepy and pretty disturbing, even to the characters. It wasn’t quite clear to me if the alien species is tech or ‘insect’ but their behaviors were engaging, if devastating.

The story moves at a good pace with action and mystery pulling my interest. I admit I spent a couple of nights listening later than I should. I recommend this as a fun, action packed ride to readers who like space opera and first contact genre.

Audio Notes: Benjamin L. Darcie does a nice job with the narration. He presents varied voices and captures the feel of the different characters. The narration moves at a good pace and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelf for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge, and "I" in my Alphabet Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 28, 2017

Happy Friday!
Another super busy week for me. I wish things would slow down a bit.

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 21 Pick. There were two 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 were no titles blocked.
AUTO: BN100 gets Valley of Bones
and Rubynreba gets Hurricane

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 21 Pick:
FREDAMANS gets a GC.
CAROL L gets Home Sweet Home.

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.}

Now here are some sandals to like (except I don't like the kind between the toes).
Image found at Chicago Magazine.

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 1,086+ 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!