Sunday Words of Encouragement August 18, 2019

Our Sunday School assistant teacher started a new study this week entitled Renewing Your Mind.

Our service started, as always, with praise and worship. Pastor then introduced and welcomed nine congregants who had become ‘new members’ – a very happy event.

The new sermon series is called Culture Shift. Pastor reflected how people born before 1900 saw lots of changes- planes, rockets, computers and other technology. Meanwhile the culture of the home has changed drastically over the past half century. God was removed from schools in the 1960s and efforts have been made to remove Him from homes and public institutions ever since. This has resulted in a group of young adults who have not been raised in church.

Since the Columbine shooting in 1999 we have a generation now being raised with violence and the threat of violence. Prior generations may have gone through bomb air raid drills in school, but we did not have drills to protect ourselves from possible mass shootings. Even Oprah says America ‘has lost its core moral center’. Basics that used to be taught in church are no longer reaching the fuller community.

Today’s news is full of emphasis on divisions in society and ideologies. This is a new norm.

Daniel chapter 1 tells how the people of Jerusalem and articles of the temple were delivered into the hand of the enemy. Daniel 1:1-6. God allowed it for His plan and purposes.

God equipped Daniel and his friends to become servants in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace. God specifically equipped Daniel to be able to respond to King Nebuchadnezzar’s demand for recital of and dream interpretation. Daniel Chapter 2.

Nebuchadnezzar set up a big idol but Daniel’s friends refused to bow down to it. They were put into the fire. Three men were put into the furnace but four were seen in the flames. When the three came out unharmed, King Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel Chapter 3.

Like Daniel and his friends, we must be prepared to move in the society where we are set or led, but we must also stand firm on the word. You cannot go AND stay where you are.

The Point: We must lead people by our lives, to the real Jesus of the Bible.

God's word is firm; it does not change. John 1:1. God sent His son into the world to save it. The enemy sows condemnation and division; Jesus sets people free.

Pastor asks: Do you need to know the real Jesus again or for first time?

I think this song fits - whether we have to walk through the waters, the flames or face the giants, we do not need to be afraid!

Verses for Today
Daniel 3:28-29 (NIV)
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”


I pray that I will always trust God to see me through the circumstances of my life.

#NetGalley Book Review: You Don't Belong Here by Sean O'Toole

This is a nice children’s story with a good message.
You Don't Belong Here
by Sean O'Toole

File Size: 7370 KB
Print Length: 43 pages
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. (April 25, 2019)
ASIN: B07R8FKW9X
Genre: Children, Bullying
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Two muskrat brothers become displaced due to a storm and end up in a lady’s backyard. They make a big mess back there, and the lady decides it’s time for them to go. She calls a pest control company who comes and sets traps to catch them. He catches one of the muskrats and relocates him in a forest near a pond. He and his brother had never been apart before, and now he was all alone in an unfamiliar place. Some other animals approached him while he was drinking from the pond. They had never seen a muskrat before and were not as welcoming as he would have liked—until the muskrat proved himself worthy of living there by helping the animals defeat a dangerous foe. The other animals realized that he had some unique qualities and skills and did in fact belong at the pond, and they became friends. And someone special may have rejoined the muskrat to make for a happy ending.

Review:
Marty and Manny are muskrat brothers who get displaced by a flood. They end up at a neighborhood yard where the homeowner finds them cute until they start ravishing her garden. She announces, “you don’t belong here” and calls the pest control who captures Marty and releases him far away.

Marty is initially rejected by the other creatures he finds at the wood pond. But then he steps up to help them face a bully that has been harassing them.

Can Marty find a place to belong? Will Marty and Manny get to be together again?

I really enjoyed this sweet story and the message it brings about finding a place to belong and fighting together to face a bully. The illustrations are what I would call colorized pencil sketches. They are not formal or precise but rather charming in their simple, more amateurish tone. I think this would be enjoyed by young children to be read to or to read when they are able. I would share this with my grandchildren ages 3 through 8. I recommend this as a cute book with a good message.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2019NetGalley and Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Sleeping Tiger by Rosamunde Pilcher

This is a quick, interesting story.

Sleeping Tiger
by Rosamunde Pilcher,
Narrated by: Carole Shelley

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
Published August 1st 2000 by Random House Audio (first published 1967)
Genre: Novella, Romance
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.25.

For the first time in her life, Selina Bruce wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring. She had impulsively left behind her lawyer fiancé in London and flown alone to a tiny island off the Spanish coast. She was searching for the father she'd never know, but what she found was an unexpected truth about herself and the man she planned to marry. For exotic San Antonio offered Selina more than the penetrating brilliance of the noonday sun. It offered her the mysterious George Dyer, who held the key not only to her past--but to her heart.

Review:
Selina Bruce, at 20 years old, has wondered who her father is. She receives a book and decides the author is her father. Her fiancé’ lawyer tells her to let it go but she is determined.

Selina sets off to a small island off the Spanish coast to meet the man. She arrives in her proper British attire only to discover that her luggage didn’t make it with her. Then, after passing through customs she gets to the taxi cabs and realizes her wallet has been lifted from her purse. The community is small enough so she manages to talk the English speaking cab driver to take her to her destination with the promise of payment on arrival.

George Dyer has had small success with one book, He enjoys a laid-back life and although congenial enough, he doesn’t seem to have much ambition. It was unclear to me if he had a source of funds but they are not currently handy. There is a wealthy socialite in the community who is George’s age and who has set her eyes on him. She is not inclined to accept an alleged daughter getting in her way.

I found Selina to be spoiled, immature and needy - not a character I would admire. I wasn’t really bothered by a 17 age difference between the characters, I just wasn’t particularly interested. Enough of this was familiar so that I am sure it was a re-read but I didn’t quite remember the ending. I was glad it was quick so I could stick with it for my TBR goal count. I wasn't drawn in to a point that I would seek out this author. However, romance readers who enjoy a bit of drama might enjoy this.

Audio Notes: Carole Shelley does an adequate job with the narration. Her voice seemed to fit well with the story. I am inclined to think it was easier for me to listen to this as I might not have stayed with the written book.

Source: 2002 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 16, 2019

Happy Friday! I'm getting ready to have some cooler weather come in. I may try to get a new box of books ready this weekend. It's hard to get to the books at my damaged office as the power is out now while they move the electric meter.  We'll see.

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 9, 2019 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. There was one title blocked, but won.
CAROLL gets Countess of Scandal.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 9, 2019 Pick:
LINDA gets a GC
and
BECKY gets Pursuit (through the block).

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.}

(Oops - I posted without a new image.) Here's to Summer Reading!
Image found at James O'Brien Studio.

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

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

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


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 by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(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 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,265+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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!

Audible Book Review: The Ember War, Books 1-2, by Richard Fox

I enjoyed this first contact/space military adventure. I’ll be continuing the series.

The Ember War
Publisher's Pack, Books 1-2
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: The Ember War, Book 1-2
Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 02-23-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Fleet, Space Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Ember War, book 1: The Earth is doomed. Humanity has a chance.
In the near future, an alien probe arrives on Earth with a pivotal mission: to determine if humanity has what it takes to survive the impending invasion by a merciless armada. The probe discovers Marc Ibarra, a young inventor who holds the key to a daring gambit that could save a fraction of Earth's population. Humanity's only chance lies with Ibarra's ability to keep a terrible secret and engineer the planet down the narrow path to survival. Earth will need a fleet. One with a hidden purpose. One strong enough to fight a battle against annihilation.
The Ember War is the first installment in an epic military sci-fi series. If you enjoyed A Hymn Before Battle by John Ringo and The Last Starship by Vaughn Heppner, then you'll love this explosive adventure with constant thrills and high stakes from beginning to end.
The Ruins of Anthalas, book 2: An ancient holocaust holds the key to humanity's survival.
Only a sliver of mankind survived the Xaros invasion. With Earth's defenses in ashes, nothing can stop the aliens' inevitable return. Hope arrives through a cryptic message from a long-lost alien race, promising the means to rebuild the shattered space fleet. Captain Valdar takes one of the last strike carriers, the Breitenfeld, and his shell-shocked crew on a desperate mission to the dead world. Unfortunately humans aren't the only power that received the ancient message....
The Ruins of Anthalas is the second book in The Ember War Saga, a military sci-fi space opera. If you like David Weber and John Ringo with a touch of Isaac Asimov, then you'll love this fast-paced and captivating adventure where humanity survives at the edge of a knife.
©2015 Richard Fox (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Book 1: The Ember War.
An alien probe made contact with one nerdy college student on earth. The alien had decided a scientific theory of Marc Ibarra might give the planet a marginally better chance to survive the coming attack by the Xaros, an alien army that wipes out all sentient life it finds. Marc and his alien probe only have sixty years to prepare.

Sixty years later the wealthy Ibarra Corporation has spear-headed space exploration and space mining. Ibarra has kept secrets and made plans to hopefully save a small fraction of humans. He didn’t want to be the one to choose those who survive but …someone has to make the hard choices.

Lieutenant Ken Hale of the Atlantic Union Marine Corps is an experience team leader who runs missions from the spaceship Breitenfeld under the command of Captain Isaac Valdar. Valdar hadn’t really wanted to leave his family but answered the call from his good friend, Admiral Garrett. Valdar had no idea that he’d be leaving for more than a short mission. The Bretenfeld is carrying a precious cargo: Ibarra’s heir and secret weapon, Stacy.

Valdar and his crew will experience events no one else has faced and discover secrets that will tear apart their lives. The space fleet has survived the first devastating attack of the Xaros and even manage to capture an important space travel station from the Xaros. But how will the fleet stay hidden and keep mankind from extinction?

I enjoyed Hale and his Marine team who use their skills well together. They get extra rescue help from some massive, armored humans (I think referred to as Iron Hearts).

Book 2: The Ruins of Anthalas.
If the human race wants to survive, the fleet needs to obtain certain elements and secrets that might be found on the destroyed planet of Anthalas. The Breitenfeld is directed to use the Xaros jump station to reach Anthalas and find out if they can mine the needed elements. It is supposed to be an exploratory mission only but the away teams run into opposition and end up stealing crucial artifacts in addition to obtaining important information. Unfortunately, the fight with the natives draws the attention of the Xaros and exposes the humans.

Hale and his brave team are joined by some alien allies in these battle adventures. Steuben is a bit arrogant and sometimes treats the humans with contempt. Still, the longer he fights along side them the more he begins to appreciate their quick reactions and shear drive.

I won’t say that the writing is brilliant, but the world building and aliens are imaginative, and the action is fast paced. The hand full of important characters are likeable and developed so that I was rooting for them all to stay whole and return to the ship alive (at least alive enough to be healed with regeneration).

I am glad that I got the first two books in one and I have added book three to my list for future purchase. I recommend this to reader’s who enjoy space battles from authors such as Isaac Hooke, David Weber, and John Ringo.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable good narrator. As usual, he does well with the pacing in this sort of book and he gives the characters their own voices and personalities. His narration adds to the book and my enjoyment.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.