Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018

We were pleased to have a visit from our ministry partner from Haiti. He shared a short message encouraging us to remember to see ourselves as God sees us, not how others see us. We are hands and feet of God. Four years ago when this man came to Florida, he came to work in the migrant farms. He was injured and ended up wondering into our church. One thing led to another and now he is the pastor of two churches in Haiti and a school that is expanded to fourth grade this year! He once had no value among his own people, but now he is respected, and his advice is sought after. God has the last word on our value. Isaiah 43:4. Isaiah 52:3.

Our church service hosted a group of girls from Teen Challenge. Four or five women gave their testimony and the team shared two interpretive dances that were quite beautiful.

The testimonies of these women fit with our Haitian friend’s message. They cried out to God and He rescued them. Psalm 107; Psalm 34:4.

I remembered this song which I think will work today! I Will.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 107:19-22 (NIV)
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Lord: I praise you in joy and give thanks that you have redeemed me from darkness and death.

Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

My Ladies Book Club enjoyed this sweet story full of forgiveness, growth and faith.
One Perfect Spring
by Irene Hannon

Amazon Link
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0800722678
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

Review:
Claire is a single mother raising her 11-year-old daughter, Haley. Claire is busy as a teacher and working, one project at a time, on her fixer-upper home. Claire has been burned by the men in her past and doesn’t have time for romance. Claire takes time to help her mature neighbor, Dr. Maureen Chandler, who has had a recent bout with cancer surgery. Haley overhears a confidential conversation between Claire and Maureen. Unknown to anyone else, Haley writes a letter to a private foundation asking them to help Maureen find her long lost son.

Keith Watson is a workaholic serving as the executive assistant to a former workaholic, David. The business includes a philanthropic division which answers written requests submitted by strangers. David is struggling to rebuild a relationship with his estranged daughter. He recognizes the importance of balancing career and family. Keith plans to pass on Haley’s letter but David assigns it to Keith hoping it will get him out of the office. David doesn’t have any idea how the assignment may impact Keith who has his own childhood trauma baggage.

The simple, kind hearted act of a young person sets off a chain of events that blossoms into love for two couples. The romantic chemistry is portrayed without the need for sexual scenes. There are lessons of forgiveness and second chances. Some of the characters have a closer walk of faith but others realize they need to renew their faith. Ms. Hannon develops all of the characters and the story allows them to grow beautifully.

The writing moves smoothly with a story that has a lot of natural life scenes and some twists that keep it interesting. I read and enjoyed Ms. Hannon’s romantic suspense (Fatal Judgment) and have been planning to read more. I was curious when I saw the author also writes contemporary romance and I am glad I shared this with my ladies’ book club. The story is uplifting, and the ladies enjoyed the richness. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, small town romance with quiet faith elements.

Source: Discount Purchase through Christianbook.com for Ladies Book Club. It is a 2018 title for my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

ONE WINNER!

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) September 1, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 17, 2018

Happy Friday! Happy Back to School!

Hmm - I think I didn't change my opening last Friday. Ah Well. I was probably tired Thursday night. Heather and I are away again this Friday for a different, one day conference. Her children started new schools this week and seem to be doing fine. She is going to enjoy a weekend at the beach resort although I will go back home on Saturday.

I pulled together two new boxes of books - some summer titles and some mysteries. Pictures are added but I will have to get the lists up this week.
Just so you know - I hope to get the GCs emailed by the end of this coming week. I will also have books mailed again. We got out a big set of books a couple of weeks ago so I hope everyone got those packages.

I continue to hope everyone is staying safe from fires, rain, storms, floods and heat.

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 August 10 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. No title was blocked.
AUTO: CAROLL gets Rhapsody in Time
and SUEF gets The Vanishing Act.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 10 Pick:
MARY P gets a GC and
ALINA gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

There are some back to school books for the young ones!
Image found at Kinder Craze.

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
No One Left to Tell is MP3
Kisscut is Cassettes
Dark Summer is CDs
Pairs: Kay Hooper and Carla Neggers
The rest are singles


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Pairs: Fern Michaels and James Patterson
The rest are singles
Note:
The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes



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
Betrayed
Indigo Blue
By a Spider's Thread 
Johanna Lindsey Pair 
Judith Krentz Pair
Breaking Point 
My Dark Prince
Fatal Defect

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 1,179+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!

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann

This is a story full of fantasy, mystery and suspense woven around a thwarted romance.

Tribal Affairs
by Matt Dallmann

Category: YA Fiction, 277 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Matt Dallmann
Release date: July 2017
Tour dates: August 6 to 24, 2018
Content Rating: G (No bad language or sex)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.

Review:
Dahlia is a genie who has been trapped in a locket on an ankle bracelet. Liana’s mother apparently died from mental illness and now sixteen-year-old Liana has decided to wear the ankle bracelet. She has no idea the significance of the locket which soon brings chaos into her life.

Liana begins dreaming strange dreams of star-crossed lovers. Then she begins to see images. Before long her father thinks she needs medical help like her mother did. But Liana is convinced that there is something stranger – and more real than she can understand – going on. She meets a strange young man named Taffi, which is the same name as the horse in her father’s illusion act. Is Taffi really a genie as he claims? Is he there to help her or hurt her? Are they both a victim of a curse or is it all a delusion or hallucination?

The world of genies created by the author is fantastical, full of magic, power, jealousies and beasties. The reader quickly learns there is a connection between Dahlia and Liana but there is a long path of adventure and danger to reveal the details. The genies intrigues and relationships are similar to human although they seem larger due to the powers the genies can use. They also seem more dangerous and less benign than one might think a genie would be.

The author uses an interesting approach by having Dahlia narrate the story at first. However as chapters progress, the point of view shifts to third person. Later it is clear that Dahlia is narrating again. I often have the Kindle reading to me, so I had to keep close track of whose feelings were being described since Dahlia should have been describing observations of other’s expressions and actions rather than describing their internal feelings. This caused some confusion for me which was a little distracting. Although, thinking back, I think perhaps Dahlia could read the thoughts of the others. Still, it created some confusion.

In spite of that, I enjoyed the fantasy journey and the strange creatures along the way. I especially liked the sea creatures from one of the genie worlds. There is a tentative, stumbling romance including appropriate teenage angst. It was interesting to read the emotional growth of the characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and a light YA romance.

Source: iRead Book Tours. This will qualify for a 2018Alphabet choice.

To follow the tour and read reviews, please visit Matt Dallmann's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Matt Dallmann has a background in acting and holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. His films and screenplays have been featured at film festivals across the United States including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Festival, Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival, DragonCon and Zero Independent Film Festival. His piano compositions have been published for commercial use and he is a member of ASCAP. Matt is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the boutique medical billing firm VGA Billing Services, Inc. in New York City. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 5, 2018

Prizes: Win one of 100 Kindle copies (open to USA only)

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Tribal Affairs

by Matt Dallmann

Giveaway ends September 05, 2018.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott

This is a solid, entertaining addition to my post-apocalyptic reading/listening binge.
Under a Tell-Tale Sky
Disruption, Book 1
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: Disruption, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-29-16
Language: English
Publisher: R. E. McDermott
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
When a massive solar flare fries the electrical grid, Captain Jordan Hughes' problems are just starting. Stranded far from home with a now-priceless cargo of fuel and a restless crew, Hughes weighs his options as violence worsens ashore and the world crumbles around the secure little world of his ship, the Pecos Trader.
"Wait and see", is not an option. Hughes has to get his ship and crew home, but FEMA arrives with other plans.
Resisting the demands of an increasingly corrupt and self-serving federal bureaucracy, Hughes leads a ragtag band of sailors, preppers, and dissident military personnel on an incredible voyage to reunite them all with home and family - only to find their real journey is just beginning.
©2015 Robert E. McDermott (P)2016 Robert E. McDermott

Review:
A solar flare causes an EMP event that takes down the power grid across America and, presumably, the world. The story begins with the introduction of the crew of a cargo ship in North Carolina. After their station is attacked, some Coastguard members join with the ship with the goal of providing support in numbers. Crew members divide as the Captain decides to return to his home base in Texas. Several choose to travel north to their homes by other means. Some travel with more caution than others but they all face danger with the ship crew heading for more trouble than they can imagine.

Meanwhile the highest leaders in the land decide that there is no choice but to abandon most of the people to their own efforts. They make plans to get the power grid back up for their own benefit and control. They turn a blind eye to corruption, thieving and ravaging by tyrannical FEMA authorities as long as they get a piece of the spoils.

It doesn't take long for criminal and corrupt politicians to take advantage of the crisis. Will good people be able to join together to battle back the chaos and evil as they try to survive, much less think of recovering?

McDermott does a good job of setting up plausible scenarios. He develops a handful of strong characters (mostly men although there are a few brave women too) and provides family situations that provide motive to keep the characters moving towards home or safety. The top villains are also developed enough to be despicable and scary. I liked how each chapter is identified by location and date relative to the event. This helped me as a listener to keep track of where the action was and who was involved. Admittedly, the changing scenes allowed for temporary cliff hangers which kept me listening till it came back to the tense scenes so I could learn what happened.

There is plenty of action to make this a solid, entertaining post-apocalyptic story. I recommend this to those who like the genre. I will be getting book two to continue with the journey and battle for survival.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a go-to narrator for sci fi. He presents distinct voices, suitable energy and emotion and steady pacing. I am always glad to listen as his narration adds to the reading experience.

Source: July 2016 Audible Selection. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenges.