Sunday Words of Encouragement March 19, 2023 - Unloading Docks.

Sunday School our teacher shared this video from Louie Giglio about Fruit Cake and Ashley, regarding the importance of sharing faith through love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sCvmaEUxFU

Our service was sparser than usual as many are out for spring break and the pastor’s family (a large group) were out after a very lovely wedding service for his eldest daughter yesterday. We had a guest evangelist who is a minister sharing the Holy Spirit.

He reminded us how Paul encouraged Timothy to be an evangelist. 2 Timothy 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:4-6.  When we are in the presence of Almighty God, we won't be able to stand under own power.
The Minister’s message was titled: The Unloading Docks based on Acts 21:1-3.
Paul had an assignment, and we still have that assignment today.

We are here for a reason and purpose. Our assignments get hindered by distractions because we live in a fallen world. But we have been called from darkness to light. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

We are to walk by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. It is a journey of faith and not everyone goes along with you. The people Paul had been ministering to did not want to see him go. Acts 20: 36-38. Paul had to wrestle away from his friends in order to follow God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. There are times when we have to tear loose from hindrance in order to move forward with our assignment.

We have to recognize that it is not enough to just get to heaven. It is not appropriate to just sit around when there is work to be done. We are to take someone with us to heaven!
Many can come up with excuses not to go to church: my back hurts, I have a headache, the kids want to go to the beach, it’s my only day to relax, etc.
The longer we stay put, the harder it may be to move. We need to be ready to push past the junk in our life to fulfill the assignment God has for each of us.
Too often we start and stop, start and stop. We decide to coast, we claim to be weary. Do not just sit. Get up and move. Follow God. Be steadfast to keep going. Move out in faith onto the open water.

Paul’s ship was ready to unload. We need to unload our burdens on God. Cast your cares on God.
Pour it all out. Coming to Christ is a place of repair. Whatever is needed there is a repair. Syria (where Paul’s ship went) means rock or stone. Don't carry too much, unload it. Isaiah 40:29-31.
When there are rivets to be repaired on the ship, you take it to the dock for repair. God will keep the ship afloat especially when you go to him for restoration. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

Don't let distractions remove you from your path to Jesus. And share with others to give them the opportunity to come to Christ. One thief next to Jesus on the cross accepted the offer of heaven, the other did not.
Don't look back. Release the old wine skin.
We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.
Unload your burdens on the one who carries you. Allow God to do his work while responding to do your assignment.

Verses for Today:
Acts 21:1-3 NIV
21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo.


Lord, I thank you that I can unload my burdens on you, that you restore my strength, and that the Holy Spirit is available to direct me in the assignment you give me.

Sharing Beyond Books #456 Comment Giveaway March 18, 2023

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.  Sorry that I am a week late posting this month. In my brain it was set for mid month.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #455: Life's Simple Pleasures asked: Has the pandemic turned you into a gardener? Be it flowers/leafy plants as a hobby or a vege gardener for food??
Two commenters added house plants during the pandemic but only one added indoor due to the pandemic. Two of us continued to work so had not new hobbies. One commenter has always had plants and needs to remember them now that she is working more hours. The sixth commenter indicated she lives in a condo so no veggie gardens.

The Winner from SBB #455 comments is #5 ASHFA 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. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #456

(One Question.)

Miki asks: Do you want goodies (mug, pillow, etc?) from your favourite series or do you prefer when author sticks to books only??

I did enjoy goodies, even bookmarks, for a few years. Now I rarely enter giveaways and I am apt to send mugs and t-shirts to yard sale.

Image found at Ignited Ink Writing.

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 them.
March question was provided by MIKI who gets a GC credit.

Your turn to share. Miki asks: Do you want goodies (mug, pillow, etc?) from your favourite series or do you prefer when author sticks to books only??

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.
The deadline is a month, until April 15, 2023.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Reviews: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

This is a wonderful fantasy. I have to get book two.

Six Crimson Cranes
Six Crimson Cranes, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Fairy Tale & Folklore Adaptations, Teen & Young Adult
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse....
Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.
"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." (Stephanie Garber, New York Times best-selling author of Caraval)
Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of, Raikama her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear - no matter what the cost.
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with listeners long after they've turned listened to the last minute.
"A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings." (Chloe Gong, New York Times best-selling author of These Violent Delights)
"Fast-paced excitement is balanced with a satisfyingly intricate plot that weaves in elements from Western fairy tales and East Asian folklore." (SLJ, starred review)
"A richly imagined landscape...vibrant, fast-paced." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
©2021 Elizabeth Lim (P)2021 Listening Library

Review:
Princess Shiori hides that she has magic skills in a country where magic is forbidden. She loves her brothers, but they do not know her secret. Her only real friend is Kiki, a paper bird she has brought to life. On the morning scheduled for her to meet her betrothed, she jumps into the lake. As she is drowning, she is alarmed to fall into the hands of a dragon. She awakens to learn she was saved by the dragon. She develops a secret friendship with Seryu who offers to train her to use her magic.

Shiori suspects her stepmother, Raikama, is keeping a secret too. When Shiori discovers that Raikama is a powerful sorceress, Shiori runs to her brothers to seek their help to tell their father. Before they can get to their father, their stepmother turns the six brothers into swans. She then curses Shiori so that she will not be recognized as a princess and if she speaks, her brothers will die.

Shiori finds herself alone, miles away from home, with a bowl on her head to cover her eyes, her magic blocked, and unable to speak. She struggles to find a job, first to eat and then to escape to find her brothers. She learns of a conspiracy but cannot speak about it. After an attack, she is rescued by a young man who takes her to the kingdom of her betrothed, Takkan. She is shocked to learn the true identity of this young man.

Shiori cannot tell others the dangers that surround them. She has to rely on the help of Kiki, her dragon friend, Seryu, who has reason to be upset with her, and her betrothed who is under attack through betrayal.

Shiori isn’t particularly likeable at the beginning of the story but she begins to grow in character when she is cursed. I liked the dragon Seryu and how he interacted with her. As the story progressed, I enjoyed the sweet, protective character of Takkan and how the romance developed. There are common enemies and twists to be discovered in who is friend and who is foe.

I was pleasantly surprised by this YA story. There were myths woven into the story which added to the interest. The ending didn’t quite go where I hoped, but ended at a point that requires more danger and adventure for Shiori. Now I need to get book 2. I recommend this to fans of fairy tale adaptations.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller is a skilled narrator. The voices are distinct, and Zeller delivers a strong performance with these characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, a2023Number, and 2023Color goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1) by Ellie Brannigan

I really enjoyed this light mystery and hope to continue in the series.

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom

Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 02-07-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Irish, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Fans of Hannah Dennison and Carlene O’Connor’s mysteries are in for a treat with Ellie Brannigan’s captivating debut cozy mystery, complete with a sharp and endearing protagonist.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.

Review:
Rayne is a Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer and business owner. She is eager to celebrate her 30th birthday with her partner, along with a possible loan for business growth, and maybe even an engagement ring. Instead, she ends up without a fiancé and without inventory. Flat broke she is off to Ireland (tickets paid by her mother) to respond to a lawyer's call that her uncle has died, and she is to appear for the reading of the Will. Rayne is surprised to learn that she has inherited the declining family castle, with its handful of employees and surrounding village to care for. More alarmingly, she has to stay for a year and turn the castle into a profitable endeavor. And this has to be done with her newly met and very bitter and antagonistic cousin, Ciara, as manager.

As though Rayne doesn’t have enough to digest and deal with, Ciara, an illegitimate daughter, is convinced that her father was murdered rather than dying in a tractor accident. Rayne begins to juggle the issues of a deteriorating castle and needs to locate her Uncle’s bookkeeping records to find out the true state of affairs. It isn’t pretty. But it also leads to s mysterious list that makes her agree with Ciara that her Uncle was murdered. Now the at-odds cousins need to work together to figure out who had motive and opportunity. Lucky for Rayne, her Uncle’s young, untrained dog has some clues to share.

I enjoyed the mix of distinct characters, and the quiet persistence Rayne employs to face the problems before her. The local detective seems to be one step behind but Rayne uncovers the clues bit by bit. I picked this story for the dog on the cover, the castle and Irish setting. I was totally satisfied by the mystery with its twists and turns. I do hope there will be more in the series. I recommend this to fans of easy mystery.

Audio Notes: Traci Odom does a fine job with the narration. I liked her voices for the different characters and she carried the tone and energy of the book. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2023. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023NetGalley, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Location goals.

Sunday Post March 12, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 13, 2023

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 mentioned last week that I was boxing items for yard sale. Things are moving around in my life. I am looking at downsizing my home sometime within the next year. To do so I have to clear out not just the past 17 years of collections but boxes in the attic that haven't been opened since we moved to this house! Bit by bit I am boxing things that I know can go. I can eliminate various clothing, videos, CDs and cassettes, and some books and other items that I know my children don't need to review. Then there are other family items I need to wait to allow them to review.  And of course, it is hard to get rid of all my book collections. I suspect we will list some of those for sale at some outlet.

I was glad to see that one of our dogwood trees has survived the hurricane and the freeze.
It is still very scraggly.
None of our azaleas survived. The touch of color in the background is across the street.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer social atmosphere. We have opened new prayer lists to include the youth revivals going on and for the young generations that will lead in the future. I'm also praying for those in California with flooding.

Oh - checking the temps for the coming week we will have nights in the 30s again. I'm glad I didn't pack all the winter night clothes away. High during the days will be 78.

I finished three audios this past week and posted three reviews with my memes.

Only 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to JOY'S BOOK BLOG. "A Librarian writes about books." Joy has links to travels that are interesting in addition to her wide range of books.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post March 5, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet by M. C. Beaton; Genre: Amateur Detective, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• MBS Febrary 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga; Genre: Adventure, Teen and YA, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks; Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2023 - Hunger and Thirst.
  

Finished Reading:

1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2023NGA)

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom
Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
I really enjoyed this and hope to continue in the series.
Source: NetGalley 2023.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Six Crimson Cranes
Six Crimson Cranes, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
This is a wonderful fantasy. I have to get book two.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I thought this would run into next week but I have an hour to go so I expect to finish it tonight.
I have enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)

Good Dog, Bad Cop
by David Rosenfelt
The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
I enjoy this series so I look forward to the cold case mystery.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
For the K Team, playing "good dog," "bad cop" is all fun and games...until there's a body on the scene, in the next K Team Novel by bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.
Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried–and failed—to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.
Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.
Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer, and clear Jimmy’s name. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns in Good Dog, Bad Cop, where there’s little to go on, but that won’t stop Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite private investigators from sniffing out the truth.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Junkyard Pirate
By: Jamie McFarlane
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Junkyard Pirate, Book 1 (4 books)
Length: 10 hrs
This sounds like a good sci fi... and it is a "J" title.
Source: July 2021 Audible $5.00 Sale (Regular Price: $19.95).
Publisher's Summary
Knocking at death’s door. Bargaining for a second chance. Seems like a heck of a way to find out about an alien invasion....
Vietnam vet Albert Jenkins is battling a bulging waistline and a passion for drink. So when a towering pile of scrap rocket parts falls and crushes the stubborn curmudgeon, he thinks it’s finally the end. But just as he’s about to take one final breath, a snarky alien parasite offers him a deal: His life in return for sharing his body.
With a little coaxing from his new pop-culture-loving inner resident, AJ’s broken carcass improves so much that even an old flame is impressed. But his bright outlook fizzles when he discovers he's at ground zero of a galactic conspiracy to strip Earth of precious resources humans don't even know exist.
Can the unlikely partners join forces and use AJ's rusty military skills to raise the alarm? Or, will the alien invaders put him down once and for all?
Junkyard Pirate is the first book in an imaginative space opera series. If you like grizzled soldiers, clever twists and turns, and intergalactic tactical pairings, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s fast-paced alien adventure.
Buy Junkyard Pirate to boot the invaders back to where they came from today!
©2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC (P)2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC

I am pretty sure I will get to a third book but I haven't chosen yet.

March 12, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoy watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I finished the16 day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.
I am 3 days in a 15 day plan: Preparing Your Heart for Easter.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so am back to three reviews due, which is where I like to be so I can complete them in a week.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I am listening to another NetGalley audio so that leaves three audios on my shelf.
I still have the two old ebook titles.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me, and newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books last week
I selected my free Audiobooks.com VIP title.
I picked 3 free Audible Plus Catalog audio books.  I'll need to pick two Audible credits this week.
No free kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

3/7/2023 March Audiobooks.com VIP pick.

The Kiss Quotient
Written by: Helen Hoang
Narrated by: Carly Robins
Duration: 9 hours 37 minutes
I’ve eyed this as it looks cute.


3/5-3/10/2023 Three Audible Plus Titles:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
By: Simon Armitage
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
This is an old classic.. with a color and an occupation.

19 Souls
Sin City Investigations, Book 1
By: J.D. Allen
Narrated by: A.T. Chandler
Series: Sin City Investigations, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
This one fits my “numbers” challenge.

The Silent Corner
A Novel of Suspense
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
Series: Jane Hawk, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
I read the prequel and like the main character. I was glad to have the chance to add this at no cost.


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.