Sunday Words of Encouragement October 20, 2019

We shared our praises and pray concerns in Sunday School. Then we watched and discussed a video by Dr. Michael Brown. The book of Esther describes how Haman would not be satisfied until Mordecai bowed to him. But Mordecai would not bow. We are seeing the same attitude by those who will allow no dissenting opinion. They will not be satisfied until the Christian voice is silenced.

The worship team opened the service with several good songs, including The Goodness of God. Pastor then shared Sermon three of The Blessed Life.

The blessed life must be based on God's definition, not our own. As stated in week one, the Blessed Life is having God's supernatural power working for us.

When we learn to ride a bicycle, our parent usually holds onto the back of the bike to keep us steady until we are ready to try on our own, to go free.

Pursuing the blessed life may lead us to a point where we don't want the steadying hand on the back of the bike. But, unlike riding a bicycle, when we are seeking the blessed life, we need to stay fully connected to Jesus.

The common thread woven through the blessed life is a deep, 100% dependent connection to Jesus.
The blessed life is what God wants for us. If you remain in Jesus you will produce much fruit, have life. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:1-8.

If we are apart, we produce nothing, we rot, we wither, we die.

We often ask “Can I do both? Can I have my way but with God’s benefits?”

The Point: Remaining in Jesus is the catalyst of a blessed life.

Remain implies Constant connection to Jesus.
Opposite of remain is to cease; to be short-lived. This lifetime is worthless in eternity if it is not connected to Jesus.
Remain is a verb, active. Actively pursue Christ.
Many people go to ‘Jesus places’, do ‘Jesus things’, attend ‘Jesus events.’. But many are not connected to the power and the blessings that only come through a relationship, connection, with Jesus.
If we don't remain in Jesus, then we are cut off from the blessing.
Actively remaining in Jesus produces results; produces fruit.
Accumulation is not the same as connection.
Where is the fruit? What new fruit is shown in your life?
People are waiting for you to share the message of God’s salvation.
John 15:7 allows us to ask for blessings. Verse 8 tells us that when we remain in Jesus we are true disciples and we bring Glory to God.
Are you actively remaining in Jesus or merely doing Jesus things?

I thought I had the song picked out but then I found this one which fits today:
I'm Gonna Hold On To Jesus

Verses for Today:
John 15:4-8 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Sharing Beyond Books #380 Comment Giveaway October 19, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Thirteen people have not experienced a weird author request. The two items that were mentioned other than mine were: bn100 being asked not to post a review that rated under 4.0 and Rita recalls an author asking readers to send in pictures of them holding the book at the store.

The Winner from SBB #379 comments is: #4 BOOKWORM 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. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**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 #380

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

Over the past few months I have discovered:
FEBRUARY: Amy Harmon who wrote The Bird and the Sword, a Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance.
MAY: Rachel Fordham who wrote The Hope of Azure Springs, a Christian, Historical Romance, Western.
JULY: Maxym Martineau who wrote Kingdom of Exiles an Action and Adventure, Romantic Fantasy; and Juno Rushdan who wrote Every Last Breath another Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller.
 

Image found at Southeast Elementary School.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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.
October Comment were Questions were provided by bn100 and Elizabeth. Both have earned a full book choice.

Your turn to share. Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

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 November 2, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs

This is a good ironic, vintage sci fi.

The Monster Men
By: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Narrated by: Sean Murphy

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Published May 4th 2015 (first published November 1913)
Genre: Classic Literature, Horror, Sci Fi Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. von Horn's attempts to create life from chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity.
Not until Number thirteen met the American girl who was von Horn's prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Then, monster or not, he turned against his master and his "brothers" and threw in his lot with the girl in a desperate attempt to escape the island of terror.

Review:
Professor Maxon has secretly been working on creating “man”. His attempts have left him with ruined bodies and estranged from his daughter, Virginia. Now the two are headed to a remote Asian jungle island accompanied by the Professor’s new assistant, Dr. von Horn.

As the time passes the Professor remains locked in the cabin with his lab work. One after one the ‘monsters’ are produced and caged. Each creation, from number one through twelve, are a little better developed and a little less monstrous. As Dr. von Horn keeps the professor’s secrets, he also attempts to woe Virginia. She is lovely but he is mostly interested in her inheritance. He is not the only one after the Professor’s treasure chest. Crew members and local natives are conspiring with nearby pirates to take the girl and the treasure.

The camp is attacked and the Professor suspects that his latest experiment has been damaged a few days before it is ready. Instead the pod opens to reveal Number Thirteen – a beautiful manly specimen ready to be taught language and manners.

As the pirates are attempting to kidnap Virginia, they are interrupted by the monsters. Virginia is horrified to be pulled away from the kidnappers to be put in the hands of a ghastly monster. Then she faints only to awaken in the arms of a beautiful man, Number Thirteen. Number Thirteen is enchanted by Virginia but the Professor and von Horn convince him that Virginia could never love a soulless monster.

A chase ensues as von Horn tries desperately to get to Virginia and the treasure. He is quick to tell the Professor that Number Thirteen is the one to blame for the attacks. But von Horn doesn’t realize that there is a shadow watching his every betrayal. A shadow who hopes to save Virginia… and maybe Number Thirteen.

The adventure is full of a macabre atmosphere in a fitting earlier year setting. I may have rolled my eyes a few times at the simplest nature of the beauty and beast romance, but I enjoyed the chase and the fine horror and ironic ending. This is a mix of Frankenstein, Tarzan and Dr. Moreau. I may prefer the Barsoom Series (John Carter on Mars) but I do recommend this to readers who enjoy vintage sci fi mixed with horror.

Audio Notes: The narration by Sean Murphy fits the vintage nature of the story. This is a type of story I am more inclined to listen to than read so I am glad I got it for a bargain at Audible.

There are many covers for this title but I think the most fitting is this one:

I picked this TBR for FRATERFEST.
Source: 2018 December Audible Purchase $.82. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal

I enjoyed this ghosting mystery.
Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Ghosts, Military Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Ghost Talkers: a new novel from beloved fantasy author Mary Robinette Kowal featuring the mysterious spirit corps and their heroic work in World War I.
Ginger Stuyvesant, an American heiress living in London during World War I, is engaged to Captain Benjamin Hartshorne, an intelligence officer. Ginger is a medium for the Spirit Corps, a special Spiritualist force. Each soldier heading for the front is conditioned to report to the mediums of the Spirit Corps when they die so the corps can pass instant information about troop movements to military intelligence.
Ginger and her fellow mediums contribute a great deal to the war efforts, so long as they pass the information through appropriate channels. While Ben is away at the front, Ginger discovers the presence of a traitor. Without the presence of her fiancé to validate her findings, the top brass thinks she's just imagining things. Even worse, it is clear that the Spirit Corps is now being directly targeted by the German war effort. Left to her own devices, Ginger has to find out how the Germans are targeting the Spirit Corps and stop them. This is a difficult and dangerous task for a woman of that era, but this time both the spirit and the flesh are willing....
©2016 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ginger is an American Heiress engaged to Captain Benjamin, a British intelligence officer during WWI. Ginger has a secret job as a medium in the Spirit Corps. Although women are still viewed as less important, the corps serves a crucial purpose, receiving the last messages of the soldiers as they die. The soldiers are able to report their death circumstances and any special intelligence that may help the British. Ginger and the other team members share harrowing deaths and then pass the information to the highest officials. Ginger experiences the murder death of a man who overheard a traitor in London. Ben is away in the field and the officials she reports to shrug off her concerns even though the threat appears to be targeting the Spirit Corps and its vital work.

Ginger and another brave member of her direct team set out to the front to try to uncover clues. They are accompanied by Ben’s batman, an unimposing soldier. Ginger is pushing herself under extreme stress, but she has a secret soldier at her side. Their efforts to gather information are challenged by Ben’s cousin who competed with Ben, the heir, all of their childhood.

Ginger has to use unconventional sources to battle the enemy and unmask a traitor who is threatening her close friends as well as her allies. There is heartbreak and sorrow and Ginger has to dig deep in her character to brave the danger and losses.

This story is well written and creative. There is good action and mystery, tense suspense and a sweet love story. I found it all engaging and recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and military (WWI) mystery.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize initially that the author, Mary Robinette Kowal, narrated her own story. There were moments where the voice seemed whispered and a strain to hear, but for the most part I was impressed by the voices and fitting presentation. I am glad that I listened to this on audio.

Source: 8/2/18 Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 18, 2019

Happy Friday! We had a nice quick break and are back to the 'grindstone'.

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 October 11, 2019 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. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 11, 2019 Pick:
LINDA gets a GC
and
MARJORIE 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.}

Now this is a carving I could get into.
Image found at Pinterest - The Teacher Librarian.

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


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 1,278+ 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!