Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 7, 2018

Happy Friday!  A week into September already!
Work continues busy. Reading continues to take me away to imaginary worlds!

I got most of the GCs and PayPal Credits out during the week. Waiting for a reply from a couple of people regarding the form of credit.

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 31 Pick. There was one automatic win 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.
Elizabeth gets Surrender

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 31 Pick:
NIKKI gets a GC and
RUBYNREBA gets the Kay Hooper Pair

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.}

A new month heading to the end of the year quicker than we think.
Image found at Pictures Cafe.

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
Zombies of the Gene Pool


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- All gone

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 1,184+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!

MBS August 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - AUGUST

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017
Favorite for August: One Perfect Spring and Silent Threat (4.75) and then I had 7 titles rated 4.5!
I enjoyed a lot of good reading/listening this month.

1. A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
2. Goodreads- A2018- Into the Storm (Iron Kingdoms) by Larry Correia, Ray Porter (Narrator); Fantasy, Military; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
3. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder; Noir, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
4. Goodreads- A2018- River of Bones (Destroyermen, #13) by Taylor Anderson (Goodreads Author), William Dufris (Narrator); Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
5. 2018LBC Print- Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
6. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
7. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann; Fantasy; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
8. 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
9. AudioTBR- Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti; Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
12. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
13. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 3.75 of 5.0.
15. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
16. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

I exceeded my goal of 15 per month but didn't read as many TBRs as I would have liked.
I am 6 books ahead on my 2018 Goodreads Challenge with 113 of 160.
Total read = 16; TBR = 6; New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 9 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 4 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 3 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

#NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton

I enjoyed the interesting elements in this romantic suspense.

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)

by Dana Marton

File Size: 3738 KB
Print Length: 311 pages
Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 2, 2018)
ASIN: B071VF6YV4
Genre: Military, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.
But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

Review:
Annie Murray is a calm, ecotherapist who loves her strays. She is using her unique therapy skills at a rehab center for vets while she gathers resources to open an animal sanctuary. She cares for unusual pets like abandoned baby skunks, two llamas, an injured donkey and more. But Annie has other ‘strays’ she doesn’t want, like an ex-boyfriend who is having trouble understanding the words “not interested” and a stalker who might be her ex or someone more dangerous.

Cole Makani Hunter is a former Navy Seal who has lost his hearing and the use of one arm. He isn’t really interested in the rehab work but he has been sent in undercover. Once he meets Annie and experiences her tough, take no guff attitude, Cole finds his protective instincts are kicking into gear. Cole is a large man who could imitate Annie, but she stands her ground with him.

The very beginning of the story is a little slow but soon Cole is introduced as a character and the banner, rapport and tension quickly pickup. I was drawn in by these characters and their vulnerabilities and strengths. I had never heard of ecotherapy but really like the idea and it was fun how the author used that with Cole’s reluctance. I also appreciated how the author portrayed the problems a deaf man would face, especially one trained as a seal to have super situational awareness. There is emotion through the story, fear, distrust, insecurity, loss and some love and joy. The protagonists may have been reluctant to see themselves together but fortunately that changes along the way.

Although this isn’t action packed, there is strong tension as harmful acts toward Annie escalate. The author provides short glimpses of a twisted villain, but the person isn’t revealed until near the end. The writing is direct and moves at a good pace. I hope to read more by this author. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense.

Source: NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2018 NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday Post September 2, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 3, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

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

[I had this post almost completed when we lost power on Sunday from 6pm until 6am Monday morning.]
My work week was fairly standard again. I'm still running a bit tired at night.
Hubby and I are really enjoying the cooler mornings on our balcony watching the chickens and other birds too: cardinals, hummingbirds, doves and some finches.

I am hoping to use September as a TBR reading month as I planned to read 26 titles (Alphabet Challenge) from my own kindle shelf and I haven't been doing this. Even so I feel compelled to be reading NetGalley titles from this year too. It will be interesting to see how I blend for the month.

I enjoyed my listening and ereading and squeezed in a couple at the last of August. I finished five total: two audible titles and three ebooks. I posted five reviews (one with giveaway) and all of my usual memes.

I visited 27 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to This Is My Truth for Now. I like his 365 Daily Challenge.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 26, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 27, 2018.

• 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0. Giveaway Ended 9/1/18.

• AudioTBR- Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti; Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 31, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/6/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 3.75 of 5.0.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 2, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
This was very well done. 
Source: Partners in Crime.
My Tour Review linked above.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
I had mixed feelings.
My review is linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
I really liked this romantic suspense.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Snapshot
By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: William DeMeritt
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
This is a good, quick mystery.
My review is linked above.
Publisher's Summary
If you could re-create a day, what dark secrets would you uncover?
From New York Times number-one best-selling author Brandon Sanderson comes a detective thriller in a police beat like no other.
Anthony Davis and his partner, Chaz, are the only real people in a city of 20 million, sent there by court order to find out what happened in the real world 10 days ago so that hidden evidence can be brought to light and located in the real city today.
Within the re-created Snapshot of May 1, Davis and Chaz are the ultimate authorities. Flashing their badges will get them past any obstruction and overrule any civil right of the dupes around them. But the crimes the detectives are sent to investigate seem like drudgery - until they stumble upon the grisly results of a mass killing that the precinct headquarters orders them not to investigate. That's one order they have to refuse.
The hunt is on. And though the dupes in the replica city have no future once the Snapshot is turned off, that doesn't mean that both Davis and Chaz will walk out of it alive tonight.
©2017 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one)
by K. Kibbee
This is fun and sweet. 
My review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2018)

All These Worlds
Bobiverse, Book 3
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
I wanted something sci fi and on the fun side 
so I chose this from my shelf.
Source: Audible 2018 April Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The epic and highly anticipated conclusion to the listener-favorite series that had countless Audible listeners (and employees) hooked from the very first Bob—featuring, as always, a flawless performance from the inimitable Ray Porter.
Being a sentient spaceship really should be more fun. But after spreading out through space for almost a century, Bob and his clones just can't stay out of trouble.
They've created enough colonies so humanity shouldn't go extinct. But political squabbles have a bad habit of dying hard, and the Brazilian probes are still trying to take out the competition. And the Bobs have picked a fight with an older, more powerful species with a large appetite and a short temper.
Still stinging from getting their collective butts kicked in their first encounter with the Others, the Bobs now face the prospect of a decisive final battle to defend Earth and its colonies. But the Bobs are less disciplined than a herd of cats, and some of the younger copies are more concerned with their own local problems than defeating the Others.
Yet salvation may come from an unlikely source. A couple of eighth-generation Bobs have found something out in deep space. All it will take to save the Earth and perhaps all of humanity is for them to get it to Sol - unless the Others arrive first.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author2018)

The Memory Tree (Carson Chronicles Book 2)
by John A. Heldt
I enjoyed the first in the series (and prior books) and this one is moving along well too.
Source: Author.
Days after barely escaping 1889 with their lives, the Carsons, siblings from the present day, resume their search for their missing parents in 1918. While Adam and his pregnant wife, Bridget, settle in Minnesota, unaware of a wildfire that will kill hundreds, Greg seeks clues in his great-grandparents' Mexico, where he finds love, danger, and enemies. At the same time, Natalie, the ambitious journalist, follows a trail to World War I France, and teen twins Cody and Caitlin rekindle a friendship with an old Pennsylvania friend haunted by her past. In THE MEMORY TREE, the sweeping sequel to RIVER RISING, several time travelers find answers and meaning as they continue the adventure of a lifetime in the age of doughboys, silent movies, and Model T's.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Mother of Pearl
by Kellie Coates Gilbert
This is our Ladies Book Club read to be discussed 9/8.
Source: I had print copies for others but was able to snag the Kindle version on sale.
How Far Would You Go for your Child?
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.
Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger..

September 2, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 5 books and posted 5 reviews.  That leaves me one review to post.
I'm doing pretty good adding current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I have some older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 13. I still have one author title in queue and one more review title. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 picked up two titles from NetGalley.
I ended up with 6 audio titles.
I didn't pick up any Kindle titles.
I picked up a bunch of free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up two novellas from NetGalley:
Somewhere The Bells Ring
by Beth Trissel
"But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?"
A Christmas Novella


Light's Dawn: A Novella
by Yvette Bostic
"Light's Dawn is a stand-alone prequel to the Light in the Darkness historical fantasy series."
I like the alternative history genre.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up one Audible 8/30/18 Daily Deal $2.95
Genesis
By: Ken Lozito
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 02-27-18


8/31/18 I took advantage of 2 for 1 credit deal at Audiobooks.com. Both are reliably enjoyable authors for me:


Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Duration: 10 h 16 min



Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon
Duration: 9 h 45 min



I had lined up four  titles from the Audible $5.95 sale but since our power went out I wasn't able to complete my cart purchase. So I only bought one through my phone app. I figure the others can wait for Audible credits. One reason to purchase on sale: if regular cost is under $19.00 I like to get on sale instead of use a credit.
Commune
Commune, Book 1
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Commune, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Free

8/31 I got two Audible Free Downloads
Intro to Indoor Cycling
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Ed Hall
Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 08-30-18

Road Warrior Workouts
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Jessica Muenster, Candice Cunningham
Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 08-30-18


I added 48 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded some while on phone internet. 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 September 2, 2018

I had this post just about to go up late yesterday (Sunday) when we lost power in the house. We are blessed to have the motorcoach where we spent the night with power and ac (no internet which comes through the phone system in the house.)

We enjoyed a nice Sunday School lesson based on 1 Corinthians 1:1. Paul introduced himself as one with authority. He reminded the people that he had learned to be content because his circumstances, good or bad, didn’t control his relationship with Christ.

We shared a nice time of Worship and Praise. Pastor’s Sermon was titled Under the Blessing.
We all want to be blessed. Throughout our lives we seek blessings of one form or another: Guys get blessing from future fathers in law; couples seek pastors’ blessing; children seek blessings of their parents; employees seek blessings from their bosses.
Some people think “I'm getting a blessing so someone else must not be blessed.” Rarely someone will reject a blessing.
When someone lives under the blessing of God they know that they can face any difficulty and God will see them through.
It's not about luck, fate or fortune. It’s knowing you have God's favor.
Leviticus 26:3-12 sets out a beautiful picture of blessing but Leviticus 26:14-35 sets out a dismal picture of a curse for disobedience. (Also Deuteronomy 28.)
The blessing is conditional, beginning with “IF…”. “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,”…then….
Although the Bible passage conveys a pastoral view of blessings, the concept applies today too.
God will give you the employment or work that you need. He will give you the benefits you need. He will give you favor. He will give you peace in your home. He will give you peace in your finances. He will go where you go and protect you.
God reminds us that HE is the source of our blessings.

Point: God's blessing is conditional on our obedience to His most basic request: to put Him first.

Sometimes we try to limit God’s reach and we try to do it ourselves; we try to be self-sufficient.
We are stewards of all that God gives us. What we have, He allows us to manage. We are to Honor God with the obedience of bringing Him the first fruits. Proverbs 3:9-10 is another if then provision.
The tithe predates the law but is still applicable to our lives. Jesus never weakened the law but strengthened it.
When you get it right, He blesses.
Tithe is the first tenth of increase.
And Blessing is contagious. WHAT we give God and WHEN is a testament to the ordering of our heart’s condition (priorities).
Honor God first. 1 Corinthians 16:2.
Recognize that it is your choice to live under blessing or live under curse.
In Malachi 3:6-12 God tells his people that they are breaking covenant by withholding tithes. He challenges them to “Test me in this.”
It all belongs to God. We are stewards. If we don't return the tithe, we are stealing from God.
Choose a life of blessing.
1. Repent for failing to be obedient.
2. Bring a gift.
3. Bring the tithe to the church.
4. Then learn to give sacrificially.

This is the song I chose for this message.

Verses for Today:
Malachi 3:6-12 (NIV)
Breaking Covenant by Withholding Tithes
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

My Prayer: I give thanks each day for God's blessings. Help me be obedient to stay under His blessings!