Sunday Words of Encouragement July 15, 2018

We had an excellent Sunday School lesson today and enjoyed a pretty full house for church. Church. The praise and worship team introduced a new song that fit with the message of our Sunday School. I love when God orchestrates that sort of confirmation!

Pastor continued his sermon series titled The Strong, based on 1st Peter. This a book where Peter is giving instructions to the new church on right living. The strong (the Christians) are to live different than the world. Last week Pastor spoke on exhibiting Godly Honor rather than honor of the world

This week Pastor spoke on Chapter 3. How do we deal when we have been treated unfairly? Sometimes we experience loss of a job; unkept promises; outright lies. The mistreatment may cost relationships, job, finances, reputation. Most of us have experienced a time when we felt mistreated, sometimes because we, as Christians, are different and see things from a different world view. We live in a broken world that has been damaged by sin. As parents we tell our children the important life lesson: “Life isn’t fair.”

What do we do when we are mistreated? When this letter was written, Christ followers were treated differently than others. Peter said to search for peace, and work to maintain it. 1 Peter 3:8-12. Give blessing instead of world response. Then God will give you a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9. In the days of Peter, blessings and curses meant something.

Point: The cost we pay to bless those who mistreat us is repaired with the promise of God's blessing to us.

Our response should be to pray for them. Jesus was attacked. Christianity gets attacked. We need to show them God and His love. 1 Peter 3:13-17.

Blessing others changes my heart and attitude toward them.
Paul and Silas were beaten and falsely imprisoned. Yet they were singing praises and praying in jail. A supernatural earthquake caused the doors open, and the shackles to fall off all the prisoners but they did not escape. Instead, Paul and Silas used the opportunity to witness. Acts 16:25-30.

The mistreatment of Jesus resulted in salvation and power. 1 Peter 3:18-22.
The question to ask yourself today: Who do you need to bless?

I remembered this song which fits today’s message: Forgiveness.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

Lord, I pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me, You help me to face mistreatment with a loving, blessing response.

Sharing Beyond Books #348 Comment Giveaway July 14, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!


Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Six people choose bird, two of which were eagles. Three choose horses; two elephants, a lynx, a cat, and one dog.

The Winner from SBB #347 comments is: #6 Sue 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 #348

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: Do you watch game shows?? I still like Let's Make a Deal and The Price is Right.

I don't watch much TV and rarely anything besides news and movies. Back in the day I used to like to watch Jeopardy.

Image found at Fandom Wikia.

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: Do you watch game shows??

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 14, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is a delightful read.
The Letters (The Inn at Eagle Hill Book #1): A Novel
by Suzanne Woods Fisher

File Size: 6488 KB
Print Length: 322 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 1, 2013)
ASIN: B00B85MPMC
Genre: Amish, Christian, Romance
My Rating 4.75 of 5.0

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

Review:
Rose is a widow caring for her husband’s two older girls, their own eight- and ten-year-old boys and her ailing mother-in-law. Her husband was facing scandal about his financial company when he died of suspected suicide. His oldest son, who was involved in the company has disappeared. The boys are an energetic handful and thirteen-year-old Mim is an observant, studious young girl who is just beginning to notice a boy in her class. The eldest daughter, nineteen-year-old Bethany, has a special gift for helping with their cranky grandmother, Vera. Meanwhile Bethany is not so patiently waiting for her father’s business associate to come claim her hand.

Rose decides to turn the basement into a bed and breakfast inn to help pay off some of her husband’s debts. Vera isn’t thrilled with the idea, but Rose’s neighbor, Galen King, a steady and solitary man, is being supportive and helping her. Rose prays for each guest even as they arrive unexpectedly. The first guests are by accident, but they are blessings. The first real guest, Delia, has come to the Inn seeking refuge from trauma that has turned her life upside down. She finds blessing in her recuperative time as she watches the love and caring in the family and community.

The title could come from several different groups of letters which are part of the story. The story has mysteries, intrigues, and a little gentle romance. The writing is smooth, descriptive and moves along very nicely. The daily living by the characters is engaging and delightful. The dedicated faith presented through Rose’s character is beautiful. There are questions remaining at the end that cause interest in the next book in the series which I am likely to get. My book club ladies all enjoyed the title and they asked about book two

Although I have a couple other books by Ms. Fisher on my TBR I think this is the first I have read. It won’t be the last. I recommend this to readers who enjoy lovely Amish stories.

Source: 2013 print copy; 2016 Kindle. Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR.

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

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

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

(b) visit the author's Website and tell me something you like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 28, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 13, 2018

Happy Friday! Happy July!

This has been another busy week - but good work accomplished.
The 90+ temps are taking a toll on hubby during the days. He is very tired. I stay in the office AC.
Again - Here's wishing everyone a cool week of reading!

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 6 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. No title was blocked.
AUTO: None.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 6 Pick:
FHC (Faith Hope and Cherrytea) gets a GC and
RITA chose Indigo Blue but it was won from Friday Pick 5/11/2018. I offer a choice of: Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff; What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle or Outlaw Wife by Ana Seymour.

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.}

Many need cool books to enjoy during the hot summer.
Image found at A Book Lover's Adventures.

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

Midnight Rainbow
Betrayal
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
I thought I would look for some 'Springish' titles but that didn't happen. Hope someone finds a title or two you like.

PAIRS
Betty Neals: Tabitha by Moonlight and Fate Takes a Hand
Nora Robert: Hot Ice (spine creased) and Sanctuary
SINGLES:
My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
Surrender by Pamela Clare
Dessert Rogue by Suzanne Simmons
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barrieri
Hannah’s Courtship by Emma Miller
Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Husband’s Wicked Ways by Jane Feather
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
Indigo Blue by Catherine Anderson
Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James Book 2) by Lorraine Heath (hardback)


New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
21 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

 THESE BOOKS CHOSEN/WON ARE THE ONES STRICKEN HERE:
Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior
The Texan
Total Control
Atlantis Found
Stephanie Laurens Pair
Desperado 
Rebellious Desires 
Forget Me Not 
The Eighth Commandment
Ghost Riders
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 
Shadow Music 
Corbin's Fancy 
Hawk's Lady

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,173+books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: The After War by Brandon Zenner

This is an engaging post-apocalyptic story.
The After War: (Book One of The After War Series)
by Brandon Zenner

File Size: 4254 KB
Print Length: 445 pages
Publication Date: October 20, 2016
ASIN: B01JMS9CA4
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Two years have passed since humankind faced extinction: Two cousins are leaving the protection of their underground bunker for the first time, after a cataclysmic war and unrelenting disease ravaged the earth. On the other side of North America, a young survivalist is leaving the seclusion of his cabin deep in the woods, traveling with his aging canine companion, Winston. For individual reasons, these men are traveling east, where the fragmented lives of a small number of survivors will soon be decided by the choices of a corrupt few. Although they are not yet aware, the strength that resides inside them will soon be tested, and destiny will call for their fates to be forever intertwined. "A fierce post-apocalyptic story of war and loss, of nature's vengeance, of survival in the face of overwhelming odds." - Manhattan Book Reviews

Review:
Brian and Steve are best friends/cousins. They have lived together for two years in a well-supplied bunker hoping to survive the plague and chaos that hit America. Steve is a huge ‘bear’ of a fellow who goes in to red rages. He relies strongly on Brian to help him deal with day to day living and navigating when people are around. They were unhappy to leave friends on the surface but they promised to stay hidden for two years and then set out on their goal. They are to travel to collect Steve’s sister, Bethany, from her bunker states away. Then they are to continue east to find Bethany and Steve’s Uncle who was in the military and had some foreknowledge of the troubles to come.

Simon and his dog, Winston, emerge from a secluded cabin in the Canadian woods on the edge of America. They too are headed east to meet up with his wealthy, political family who sent him off shortly before the devastating war began two years earlier. Simon is a skilled naturalist who embraces nonviolence but is also an adept tracker with hidden warrior abilities.

Both character groups (and that includes wonderful Winston) face danger, evil and heart ache as they travel. There are some calm experiences but those don’t last long. Eventually their paths will intersect as they come together in a tense battle to save their communities from a brutal, megalomaniac, evil tyrant.

The first part of the book follows the travelers in alternating chapters fill in their histories as well as their encounters on the journey. The second part shows the communities where they arrive and find a chance at home and future. The writing moves well with good action set with mostly realistic scenes and dialogue. There are some situations which aren't fully believable such as Simon’s successful hunt first time out and Brian and Steve dumping food cans at the edge of their camp and being generally careless in their travels. On the other hand, I really liked the tidbits of natural food spources and cures the author shares through Simon’s character.

All of the main characters are well developed and had me rooting for their success. The chaos, devastation, greed and survival by theft and violence seem all too real and plausible. There are secondary characters in the mercenary tribes who are terrifyingly evil. I was able to guess some of the problems that would be faced but there were some surprise events too. It was a nice change to have a story with real (sadly enough) evil rather than zombies. There is violence and some, but not excessive, foul language.

This is a strong post-apocalyptic/dystopia story that kept my attention from beginning to end. I recommend this to readers who enjoy the genre.

Source: 2017 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.