Sunday Words of Encouragement December 15, 2019 Advent Week 3

Our Sunday School teacher shared a video of David Barton with the message: Was America Founded on Christian Principles? The message is quite timely.

Pastor shared another Christmas sermon on "The Pronouncement" of Joy and Peace to the Shepherds. He made the argument that we undervalue peace and overvalue other things. Pastor reminded us that we were created to have peace before the fall into sin. We gain peace by surrendering to God.

The Point: Peace is an undervalued product of trusting Jesus in, for and with everything. 
Just trust!

The Advent Wreath:

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

The angel’s message to the shepherds is the joyful news that the Savior promised to Israel in its days of darkness is now a present reality: God is with us in the flesh. He is no longer a distant entity, known from afar, but truly close to us. The proclamation that “a savior has been born for you” is a message before that compels us to take a position.

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Sharing Beyond Books #384 Comment Giveaway December 14, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
This event won't be back until after Christmas so have a

Blessed Holiday and Merry Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
12 out of 14 of us named specific books or authors we would like to purchase. Two were not sure. Of the authors named, I did not know three of them and I hope Alina gets Night Study by Maria V. Snyder as that is such a good series.


The Winner from SBB #383 comments is: #8 MARJORIE 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. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in.  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 #384

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: My library started offering free museum passes to check out. What are some unique aspects at your local library? Or what do you wish your library would offer??

I don't visit our library enough but I am glad that they offer audio books.

Image found at Route to Retire.

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.

Your turn to share. Elizabeth asks: My library started offering free museum passes to check out. What are some unique aspects at your local library? Or what do you wish your library would offer??

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, December 28, 2019, at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Collection

This is a wonderful collection!
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker

File Size: 2029 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications (September 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07W6J5RJG
Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden - The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield - When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring - Esther Hatch Elizabeth - Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress - Joanna Barker - Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

Review:
This is a lovely holiday collection and a nice way to “meet” new authors. Faith is a low key part of the stories. I would enjoy reading more by any of these, especially by Ms. Eden and Ms. Elizabeth. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy gentle historical romance.

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden.
Adam, known as the Dangerous Duke, became the Duke at age seven when his father died. Adam’s face had been scarred as an infant and he believed his mother struggled with caring for him. Adam had been taught that “Duke’s don’t cry” and he hid his hurt when his mother returned to London after a short visit for his father’s funeral. He remained estranged from his mother for all these many years but this Christmas his mother has come home unexpectedly.

Adam was fortunate to have married a bright, beautiful woman, Persephone. They have been blessed with a boy, Oliver, and are expecting their second child which is due after Christmas. The local Vicar, Roswell Duncan, is visiting as a houseguest, rather than traveling back and forth in the snow.

Vicar Roswell and Dowager Duchess, Harriet, begin to enjoy keeping each other company. They decide on a special surprise for Christmas, hoping the plans will allow Harriet to heal the rift with her son.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the way the author brought them together. This is a lovely story. My rating 4.5.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield.
Addie escaped a bad home life and was thankful to find a position as a seamstress that provided room and board although money for savings. One early morning a local businessman, Theo, sees the shop light on and stops in. He asks Addie to sew a button on his jacket. After they chat a bit, he asks her to come manage his home as his sister-in-law has become ill and can no longer take care of his daughter, Becky, and the household.

Addie is thrilled to find a better position. She is happy to step in and begin preparing food, and cleaning and straightening the house. Addie is especially glad to find herself caring for Theo, Becky and Marla. They all begin to flourish but sadness still pervades the house. As Christmas nears will Addie be able to find a way to bring joy to the season and the family?

The characters seemed very real and this is another lovely story. My rating 4.25.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is in her second season and is fighting her mother’s plans to marry her to a wealthy nobleman, no matter how much older he may be. Her friend gives her the idea to be just a little daring to put off the current matchmaking. She learns that Lord Hawthorne, Davenport, is on the outs with society and he is not interested in marriage. Elizabeth decides to solicit his help in her plan.

Davenport is a delightful young man who is misunderstood by society. He is high enough in society to ignore rules but he will also be careful not to compromise Elizabeth. He agrees to help her and they are soon delighting in their shared adventures.
Elizabeth is charmingly natural and Davenport an unusual nobleman. This is wonderfully fun and I would love to read more by Author Elizabeth. My rating 5.0.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker.
Nell Addington was gently raised as a Vicar’s daughter. After his death, she had to take work as a seamstress to help support the family. She is very pleased when her childhood friend, Jacob Hammond, commissions a dress for his shy sister.

Jacob is surprised to learn Nell is working as a seamstress. He has been away at town avoiding his own father and he didn’t realize the circumstances that impacted Nell’s life after her father died.

Nell agrees to come to the house for fittings and Jacob is pleased that her visits are helping to draw out his sister. A snowstorm causes Nell to have to spend extra time at Jacob’s estate. Even as she realizes she would like a deeper relationship with Jacob, she fears she may lose her job with her strict seamstress boss.

These characters are gentle, and the story is sweet. My rating 4.25.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 13, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy Friday the 13th! I am looking forward to a 'naughty Santa' gift exchange lunch party with many law (and related) offices tomorrow and then our own office party. Needless to say the workday will be short!
I have lots of GCs to pull together and get sent out in the next two weeks so I will be working on those.

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 December 6, 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 two titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 6, 2019 Pick:
CAROLL gets Long, Lean and Lethal
and
MARY P 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.}

This would top my list for wrapping!
Image found at Pinterest shared by The Teacher Librarian.

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Connie Brockway: My Pleasure and My Seduction
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs
Long, Lean and Lethal by Heather Graham
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Treasures by Lisa Jackson (hardback)
No Limits by Alison Kent
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


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 NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,291+ 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!

Audio Review: Her Ruthless Protector Caitlyn O'Leary

This is good military intrigue with sexy romance.

Her Ruthless Protector (Amazon Link)
by Caitlyn O’Leary
Narrated by: Ryan West and Savannah Richards

Length: 6 hours 28 minutes
Review Copy Provided by The Audio Flow, LLC
Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

It Only Took a Moment for Him to Know She Was His
Navy SEAL Kane McNamara has his mission. Four potential terrorist targets in Oman. His job is to keep everyone safe and try to figure out where al-Qaeda will strike next. Guarding an International Music Show is on the bottom of Kane’s list until he meets the woman organizing the event, then all bets are off. She’s fun, feisty and their chemistry is off the charts.
Has She Finally Met Her Match?
A.J. Lancaster has never met anyone like Kane. Nobody's ever given her this much crap or been this much fun. Her job doesn't give her a spare second to think, but she'll make time to flirt with the most interesting man she's ever met. The fact that he’s insanely gorgeous in that rough mountain man sort of way might also be why she’s taking a minute to enjoy some man candy.
It's Turning Deadly...Fast
Soon Kane, A.J., and the rest of the Night Storm SEAL team realize the music show is the next target. When bullets fly, it’s down to Kane and his team to stop al-Qaeda’s plans, and Kane must ensure that the stubborn woman he loves stays alive so they can have their chance at a happy ending.

Review:
Kane is a Navy SEAL who is dedicated to his work and his team. The team is on a mission to gain information and prevent a terrorist strike which they suspect will take place at one of four locations in Oman. One of the possible targets is an International Music Show. Kane isn’t convinced this is a legitimate target but becomes more interested when he meets the organizing manager, A.J. Lancaster. He is instantly smitten.

A.J. is a bright, confident young woman who has learned from childhood that she is the only person she can fully rely on. The men in her life have tended to be MIA when they were most needed. Now she has met a handsome, committed SEAL who is a force to be reckoned with. She won’t bow to him, but she does recognize his strengths. She determines that she can squeeze in a little time for a sassy and fun flirtation.

When accidents begin to interrupt the show practices, the team begins to dig in harder for information. The team faces danger and loss as well as frustration when they don’t get the support they need from state authorities. Kane is prepared to take risks to protect his team and prepared to risk his heart to secure the woman he has his sights on.

There is wonderful intensity in this story which has a strong plot that supports the strong romance. I wasn’t thrilled by the early foul language, but it seemed to lessen as the story progressed. I found this to be an engaging military romance that is worth pushing through to enjoy. I wouldn't mind reading more in this series. I would certainly recommend this to readers who enjoy a combination of military intrigue and sexy romance.

Audio Notes: Ryan West and Savannah Richards do a nice job sharing the narration from the perspectives of Kane and A.J. I felt they captured the strength and confidence of the two characters. The narration helped me enjoy this story as a quick (6hr28min), entertaining listen.

Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.