Sunday Words of Encouragement February 15, 2015

We were out of town without internet this weekend.
I had noted this song a few weeks ago to share for this Valentine's Weekend.
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and shared love with family or friends.

Among the Thirsty: What Love Looks Like

A Verse for Today
1 Thessalonians 4:9 NIV
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

Lord, thank you for showing us Your unfailing love. Help us to love one another as You have directed.

Notice: Delay for Sharing Beyond Books

I do not have internet for my computer tonight. Borrowed my daughter's tablet for this Post. SBB will be delayed until Sunday or Monday night. Thanks for understanding.😃

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 13, 2015

Happy Cold Friday! We are supposed to have  27F degree weather this morning.  You can be I will be bundled as I set off for early court hearings. Tonight we take are first overnight outing in our new (to us) motor home. We are hoping to have a fun couple of days meeting up with the kids on Saturday for ball game and a night of family valentines. Seven in the RV should be fun. :-)

TO ENTER:

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 to late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks.

Thank you to all who entered the February 6 Pick. There was only one automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There was one title blocked, and it was won.
Carol L gets A Stranger's Wife

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 6 Pick:
Sue F gets Except the Dying through a block.

Linda 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.}

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Image found at Wide-Wallpapers.net

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

PAIRS:
Virginia Henley: The Pirate and the Pagan (spine creases) and The Falcon and the Flower
James Patterson: London Bridges and Roses are Red (both spine creases)
SINGLES:
Pale Kings and Princes by Robert Parker Audio Cassette Tapes
Hour Game by David Baldacci (spine creases)
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Girl With the Golden Spurs by Ann Major
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Kasey Michaels
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Daisy's Back in Town by Rachel Gibson
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood
Paradise Bay by James Michael Pratt
The Last Two Bachelors by Debbie Macomber
Exclusive Anthology by Fiona Hood-Stewart, Sharon Kendrick and Jackie Braun
Duets Romantic Comedy: Lady and the Scamp by Candy Halliday & The Doctor Dilemma by Dianne Drake

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

PAIRS:
Lisa Gardner: Alone and Gone
Janet Evanovich: Eleven on Top and Twelve Sharp
Stuart Wood: L.A. Dead and Fresh Disasters
SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes
New Blood by Gail Dayton
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings
To Collar a Killer by Lee Charles Kelley
Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty
‘Til There Was You by Elizabeth Ann Michaels
The Ladies’ Lunch by Patricia O’Brien
Wild Winds by Janelle Taylor
Shrink Rap by Robert B. Parker - Tape Cassettes
Rescue Me Anthology by Cherry Adair, Lora Leigh and Cindy Gerard


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Intrepid Encounter by Rebecca Ashley
A Stranger's Wife by Maggie Osborne
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Duo Book: Yesterday's Memories by Tara Taylor Quinn and Amanda Stevens
At The Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Catherine Anderson PAIR: Seventh Heaven and Always in My Heart
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Mariah Stewart PAIR: Priceless and Brown-Eyed Girl
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Fulfillment by Barbara Delinsky
Trouble Becomes Her by Laura Van Wormer
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
Diana Palmer PAIR: Diamond Spur, Long Tall Texan
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Illegal Possession by Kay Hooper


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell
Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Mary Higgins Clark PAIR: Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You (SC)
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
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
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
The Darkroom by Minette Walters
The Elusive Flame by Kathleen Woodwiss
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
McNally's Puzzle by Lawrence Sanders
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

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 five+ years I have posted 54 groups of 16 (864) books to find new homes! (as of February 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 768+ books have found new homes! YAY. 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 Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 Written by: J. D. Robb

Another great mystery in this entertaining series.

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12

Written by: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Series: In Death, Book 12

Release Date:05-20-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

At the luxurious Roarke Palace Hotel, a maid walks into suite 4602 for the nightly turndown - and steps into her worst nightmare. A killer leaves her dead, strangled by a thin silver wire. He's Sly Yost, a virtuoso of music and murder. A hit man for the elite. Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows him well. But in this twisted case, knowing the killer doesn't help solve the crime. Because there's someone else involved. Someone with a more personal motive. And Eve must face a terrifying possibility - that the real target may, in fact, be her husband Roarke.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Eve’s gorgeous husband, (hunky Irishman) Roarke, is hosting, at his premier hotel, a prestige auction for a mature movie star selling her memorabilia. The actress and her handsome son are working to make the event a big success to raise funds to fund a foundation to help young actors. .

Roarke and Eve are at a pre-auction preview when Eve is called to a murder of a maid in one of the suites. Although the maid is no one of great importance the killer’s signature is well known. The very brutal killing, ending in humiliation and stragulation by silver wire, is a recognizable MO of an assassin who has been slipping by authorities, including the FBI, for years. Now the killer has stepped into Eve’s territory and made it personal by killing someone associated with Roarke.

The FBI who try to muscle in on the case are not readily cooperative. The female agent has some sensibilities but the male shows outspoken dislike for Roarke and distain for Eve. His arrogance is clearly going to get in the way of the investigation.

An old childhood mate of Roarke’s, Mick, shows up for a surprise visit. He admits he is a rogue and a thief but he would never hurt Roarke and although he loves a good brawl, killing is not his thing.

Eve and her team dive in with their usual meticulous attention to detail and a little added internet help from Roarke. After a second murder Eve and Roarke know that it won’t be enough to find the hit man. They must determine who paid the fees to kills innocents associated with Roarke. Eve is able to track the assassin within a week but the FBI insist on making, and flubbing, the bust. Now Eve and Roarke must search his history to determine the next victim before the killer can strike again.

Eve and Roarke have to balance their singularly independent and protective-of-each other natures. Peabody and McNab have to cope with their increasing intimacy while trying to maintain their professional duties. There is tension, suspense and emotion that keep the reader/listener on edge.

I have to give a big “Thank You” and kudos to J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). She does a great job keeping the relationships among these characters interesting while provided an entertaining mystery with each story. I have now finished book 12 and she is on number 40! I am glad there is lots of entertainment still to come. There is some bad language in this series, which, fortunately, flows by quickly. The murders tend to be fairly graphic as the forensics and details play an important part in each story. The total package is worthwhile entertainment for avid mystery fans.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does an excellent job with the character voices and personalities. She has this series down to a fine art and I am very quickly engrossed when I begin each new audiobook. I can highly recommend this series in audio as the narration enhances the character relationships and the suspense of the mystery.

This audiobook is a choice from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, TBR Dare, Winter COYER, “B” in Alphabet Soup, and Continuing a Series in Full House Challenge.

GUEST POST: Author's Hilarious Tips for Married Women to Survive Valentine's Day

Surviving Valentine’s Day: Pauline Parril’s Advice for Married Women

by Pauline Daley-Parril

Valentine’s Day hashtags are proliferating on Twitter. That means one thing: #valentinesdayiscoming. For single women, the 14th of February is tough enough when it’s #nodate and #aloneagain. But for married women, Valentine’s Day is a #minefield #forgetaboutit #norosesforyousister #fml.

For women in general, Valentine’s Day is like trying on a new bikini: single girls hope to find something nice that handles the girls effectively but all too often end up with lingering regrets and maybe a yeast infection from the previous person who tried the bathing suit.

All that married women can hope for is that the top half can still work the old black magic while the bottom half still fits the base.

Meanwhile, the average man is completely oblivious to the whole #chocolates #romance and #finedining thing. That’s because he hasn’t set foot in a shop since the day before Christmas when he did his annual shopping trip. Only women know that, just minutes after New Year’s Day is over, every store and mall in the country turns into a raging river of pink and red hearts with fur-trimmed bralettes on display in every window.

It’s not enough to avoid the flood of lacey crap at the mall. You better stay away from the drugstores too. Trouble is, you forgot to get your flu shot last fall, didn’t you? Now you need lozenges for the bug that is shredding up all the real estate in your throat. In you go, determined to make it past the heart-shaped candies and roses-made-of-chocolate aisle. You quickly skirt the section with the wide selection of ribbed condoms, cherry-flavored lubricants and estrogen massage cream. But, suddenly, you’re confronted by the greeting card aisle. Love is in the air. And it’s sucking all the oxygen from the store.

You pause to look at all the pretty, pretty cards. Maybe it’s a good idea to inject a little romance into your plodding relationship and get your man a special valentine? You pick up a card with a pink satin bow. It says: “You are my forever best friend.” But, last time you checked, your husband wasn’t a Golden Retriever. The card with the velvet trim says, without the tiniest trace of irony: “Every moment I spend with you is a dream.” Every last card is festooned with curvy fonts, cupids, roses, arrows and hearts. As if you weren’t feeling sick enough with the flu before.

Image from Wallpaperput.com

The sad fact is there are no realistic cards for wives to give to husbands. Clearly, companies need to offer cards with more truthful messages, such as: My darling, you deserve the best of me. (Sorry I called you a moron yesterday. The stupid of you got the better of me.)

Or: You can be my Valentine, but only if you stop being a prick.

For newer brides, the card could read: Be mine. (Unless you cheat on me. In that case, I will cut you.)

Or: Let’s get married all over again! (Without your drunk cousins this time.)

Together forever. (Unless you screw it up.)

Middle-aged marrieds have even more options: Loving you is my mission. It’s right up there with gaining control of the remote someday.

You are still hot to me. Mostly. (I’m still sleeping in my socks tonight because your feet are freaking blocks of ice.)

You make me smile. (To be honest, sometimes I smirk. Sometimes, it’s an evil grin. And sometimes I laugh hysterically. You say tomato …)

For older marrieds, the card could say: I can’t believe I’m still putting up with your shit. But, wonder of wonders, I am!

Nothing can compare with you! Dude, you could win a snoring contest.

Together, we are stronger. Especially when we fart at the same time.

Never mind. Skip the card aisle. You have a bad head cold. It’s February for goodness’ sake. Your man doesn’t want a card anyway. He’d prefer a roughly hand-drawn coupon for an anytime, anywhere blowjob-on-demand.

Buy yourself some chocolate and don’t forget the cough syrup.

###

Collette Yvonne graduated from York University in Toronto with an Honor’s BA in Creative Writing. Her short stories, including From the Cottage Porch and Wild Words 2010, appear in several anthologies. She's written numerous articles in national Canadian publications, plus over 150 pieces for various Ontario newspapers. Her short story, Snapshots for Henry, was made into a short film, directed by Teresa Hannigan, and received a 2007 Genie nomination for Best Live Action Short Drama.
The Perils of Pauline— http://bit.ly/1Ki2LE0  is her first novel.

The Perils of Pauline BOOK LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1zbZrnS

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1DGMuXv

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1tqQBDq

Astor + Blue: http://bit.ly/1Ki2LE0

Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

This has a good relation conflict supported by a background full action and danger.
Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig

• File Size: 1054 KB
• Print Length: 371 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1624163181
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (November 1, 2014)
• ASIN: B00LQ26B7C
• Genre: Military Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an “other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

Review:
Brian, “Hawk”, is an intense special forces soldier. Although his father belittled him and made him feel stupid, Hawk has always been smart and is a whiz at electronics and computers. Hawk is part of the Raptor team that is in Afghanistan trying to track down terrorists that have breached American communications systems.

Fekiria is a young Afghan woman who has resisted her father’s attempts to marry her to his choice of suitable husbands. She has secretly become an Afghan Air Force pilot. Fekiria has been taught all her life to hate the Americans and her home experience has made her distrustful of any man since the ones she knows only seek to control and limit her.

Fekiria’s duties as a pilot place her in a situation where she is threatened with exposure of her secret and with harm to her Christian friend who secretly operates a home school teaching young girls. Fekiria is horrified when her aircraft controls are manipulated to target the secret school. At the last moment a nearby building is attacked and Fekiria is equally horrified to learn it was a safe house for her cousin’s fiance and the men of his unit, the Raptor Team.

Hawk and Fekiria had met once before and the sparks had flown. He is arrogant and flirty and she is haughty and resistant. Now Hawk discovers she was the pilot that bombed his team but she is in the midst of trying to protect her friend and the children. Before Hawk can get back to his team and learn what is going on with Fekiria he must help her get the children to a safe place. Even when they get caught in a blizzard he assures Fekiria that he will stay with them until he gets them to safety.

I enjoyed these troubled and vulnerable characters who have past indoctrinations and prejudices to overcome. Can they risk allowing feelings to penetrate their carefully shielded hearts? There is plenty of action and danger to add to the emotional tension of the story. I also like the quiet and consistent Christian message that is shared through several important secondary characters.

There are  mysteries that remain at the end of this story. The underlying thread of a mole and hacker infiltrating the American system is carried forward from the first book and continues to the next. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy military action as a background to personal relationship conflict. I look forward to the next book.

I received this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, the TBR Dare and as H for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 9, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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.

My week was busy but good. I need to buckle down on certain work this week. 

Reading was good again. I finished three books and am into another ebook.  I posted three reviews, one with giveaway, as well as a special giveaway. I also posted an update on my ARC/review books for giveaway and my usual memes. 

I did visit early in the week and had hoped to do more but I had several evening activities last week.
I'll try again this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 2, 2015.

• Romance is in the Air $250 Cash Giveaway Open Worldwide; ends 2/14/15

• Book Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz; Sci Fi, Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 6, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/12/15.

• Book Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis; Fantasy, Highlander; my rating 4.25. 

• Book Review and Giveaway: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 by Margaret Daley; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Print copy US only. Ends 2/15/15.

• February 2015 - Updated ARC and Review Book Lists for Giveaways. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #189 Comment Giveaway 2/7/15. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/14/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 8, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/ MP4

Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren
The review for this is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1
(The Men of the Texas Rangers series)
by Margaret Daley
The review and giveaway for this is posted above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP4

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Another great mystery in this series.
I'll post a review this week.
Publisher's Summary
At the luxurious Roarke Palace Hotel, a maid walks into suite 4602 for the nightly turndown - and steps into her worst nightmare. A killer leaves her dead, strangled by a thin silver wire. He's Sly Yost, a virtuoso of music and murder. A hit man for the elite. Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows him well. But in this twisted case, knowing the killer doesn't help solve the crime. Because there's someone else involved. Someone with a more personal motive. And Eve must face a terrifying possibility - that the real target may, in fact, be her husband Roarke.
Crack another case with Eve Dallas.
©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup
(Book #4 in Templars in America Series)
by David S. Brody
I'm enjoying the characters and action at about 20% in.
I received this from New Shelves Distribution.
Click on book title for full description.

2.eBook/Kindle

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne
I haven't started this yet.
This is my last NetGalley selection from 2014
and the last (maybe?) Christmas read for a few months. :-)
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Accept This Dandelion
by Brooke Williams
This sounds like a cute story.
I received this as part of a blog tour through 
RockStar PR for review to post on 2/17.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2015
Renee Lockhart has her eye on a lofty goal…to fill the open position of morning radio show host at the station where she works. When her co-workers sign her up for a local TV version of The Bachelor, Renee goes along with it in order to raise her profile.
Upon seeing her bumbling audition, Ben McConnell, one of the most eligible bachelors in town, insists that Renee be placed on the show. But Ben gets much more than he expected in Renee… he gets a girl who can’t seem to do anything right…and a girl he can’t seem to resist.

4. Audio - MP4

Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Narrated by: Reneé Raudman
I am choosing some audios that have been in my Audible library for years until I receive new audio books. This is from 2011.
Publisher's Summary
In the first book of the Irish Angels series, we meet Laura Foster, a woman with the darkest of pasts, and Reverend Brand McCormick, a man with everything to lose by loving her. Having escaped a life she never chose, Laura Foster is finally living her dream. But even after four years of posing as a respectable widow in Glory, Texas, she is always afraid someone from her past might reveal her true identity.
Believing no man could love her if he knew the truth, Laura tries to resist Brand's courtship. His reputation would be shattered if Laura's former life is discovered. But it's not only Laura's past that threatens to bring him down - it's also his own. As they open their hearts to love and faith, will Laura and Brand find the depth and power of forgiveness from their community?
©2010 Jill Marie Landis; (P)2010 Zondervan

I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
2/17/15 Rock Star PR Tour/Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
2/24/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling
I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I again have two reviews to complete from this week.
I'll be reading one NetGalley title this week and have three more for this month. 
I also have some author titles I hope to get to this month.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday.
Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received one review title and three titles from authors.
I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title through NetGalley for review and giveaway on February 24, 2015.

What a Devilish Duke Desires

by Vicky Dreiling

I received these titles for review from the authors:


Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery)
Anya Wylde
Sounds like a fun read:
'A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor....Lucy,...accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.'

Ever After - A Novella

Anya Wylde 

'In a wonderfully unpredictable tale of adventure, romance and a goodly bit of humour, Ever After tells the story of a princess who is trapped in a luxurious tower by her over protective father.'

The Void (The Tanner Sequence Book 3)
Timothy S. Johnston
A Tanner Sequence Novel
I enjoyed the first two books in this sci fi mystery series and am looking forward to reading this.

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

***I was invited to a new book recommendation site that might interest many other avid readers:
Ignite Your Book.Ignite Your Book was designed to be a great place for readers and authors to come together over amazing deals on fantastic eBooks!***

Over the past week I added 77 free Kindle titles to my library. (I found a new site through a FB link but failed to note it!) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 8, 2015

We had a good morning, moving into our Sunday School study of Romans. Our Pastor had a week off so another preacher from our church gave the sermon before we celebrated communion.
The sermon was titled: Knock, Knock Who's There?
I have tried to summarize the message but it is still fairly lengthy.

The first book of the Bible tells us that God created the earth, formed man and planted a garden. The garden of Eden was the first home of man -- a beautiful place, a paradise. The DNA of God is in man and they have a parent-child relationship. God walks with man in the garden and wants -- even seeks-- man out to have a relationship with him.

God tells man to enjoy everything in the garden, including the tree of life, but not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The woman is lured by the snake, the man is lured by the woman and they disobey the one rule they were given. There are consequences to all three who disobeyed. Genesis 3:14-24. God drives man out of the garden and closes the access to fellowship with God.

The law is given so man can be holy but it is not effective to restore the relationship because of man’s weakness of the flesh. Man cannot restore the relationship through his own acts or efforts.  There had to be a means of restoration. There had to be a perfect sacrifice.

The death of Christ on the cross is the sacrifice that reopens access to God. Access to provider, healer, comforter, friend and more. Jesus now stands at the door of man’s heart and knocks. When we hear His voice we can open the door to allow Him to come in to sup with us - to have that personal relationship. It is not enough to hear Him in the streets and eat in His presence. Proximity is not the same as a personal relationship.

There is coming a time when God will once again close the door of access. Those who do not have a personal relationship are thrust out of His presence just like sin caused man to be pushed out of the garden. Luke 13:22-30 and Revelation 22:14-15.  What we do with Jesus knocking is crucial to our salvation. We can accept Him and receive a renewed relationship with God or we can refuse to open the door.

I found this song video to go with the message.

You might also find this sand animation of Jesus life fascinating as I did: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73a5IE4_ZcU

A Verse for Today:
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

I give thanks for the sacrifice of Christ and for the faith I have to believe. I am grateful for my personal relationship with God, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for all the many, merciful and gracious blessings He bestows. I pray for all of my family and friends that they might hear the knock and voice of Jesus and open the door of their hearts to Him.

Sharing Beyond Books #189 Comment Giveaway February 7, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

I hope everyone is doing well as winter moves along. Our week here has been cold and damp so I have felt chilled all week. *Sigh* At least we have a nice fire going so I can go get toasty and then come back to the computer. :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Two commenters didn't know about Yahoo Groups and another seven do not belong to any group. Nine of us belong to some groups ranging from two (not book related), to a few and up to many. No one seems to be particularly active on the groups although a couple check the digests.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #188 comments is: #11 Booklady who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #189 (One Question.)

Q1. bn100 asks:   If you read an excerpt or blurb with a lot of grammatical errors or typos, would you still read the book??

A: It does turn me off of a book to see typos in a blurb or excerpt but there are still circumstances where I would read the book. I often get ARCs and books through NetGalley that clearly state they may contain errors so those I overlook. I have also seen a typo or two on a blurb at a bookstore. Since I know this can occasionally happen I wouldn't not read for one, maybe two, typos. However if the grammar was clearly wrong on a blurb I would probably think twice before getting the book. Further, if there were several errors in an excerpt I might well pass depending on my mood - see answer continued below the first image. 

 Image found at LearnHowTo Blog.

A. continued: On the other-hand, maybe we should be more forgiving and just smirk about it since it is interesting to know that most of us can read this: 

Image found at Thinking Through Our Fingers

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 book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. bn100 asks: If you read an except or blurb with a lot of grammatical errors or typos, would you still read the book??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. I still have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 February 14, 2015 at 5 PM  central.

February 2015 - Updated ARC and Review Book Lists for Giveaways

7-30-16 I have to update this list soon. I think I have marked out chosen titles but I am not positive.
THIS IS NOT A GIVEAWAY POST but a list of titles available to select from for winners from Sharing Beyond Books weekly comment giveaway and occasionally other comment giveaways.
I have taken NEW pictures of the ARC and review boxes which are now in three groups. Christian and 'clean' titles and other Mixed Genre titles.
(If you want to see the older pictures, in case they seem clearer to you, they are at the old Updated ARC post linked HERE (July 2012 updated to May 2013) and HERE (June 2013 updated to May 2015).

Christian Titles Box 1

An ** means I reviewed it and you can do a Search on my blog from the left hand side bar. I will link all titles as I get the chance. (Don't hold your breath for that since it has been two years.)
1. **A Match Made in Heaven
2. **Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda Brunstetter (small book on top) SBB May 2015
3. **His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman
4. **The Last Christian by David Gregory
5. **Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble (found another copy)
6.  Mayhem in Maryland Anthology SBB July2015
7. New Mexico Weddings  Anthology
8. **Nipped in the Bud by Sleeman (2) now 1 SBB Dec 2015; SBB
9. **The Perfect Match by Hanna SBB
10.**Prairie Rose by Catherine Palmer
11. **Rest in Peace by Francis Devine
12. Rhode Island Weddings Anthology SBB
13. Shadow of Doubt by Terri Blackstock SBB pick
14. Sword of Silence by Carol D. Slama
15. **Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus
16. **These Boots Weren't Made for Walking by Melody Carlson (found another copy)
17.**Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar
18.  Race to the Altar Anthology (larger book on top)

Christian and other "Clean" titles Box 2

1. **Paper Angels by Billy Coffey
2. **Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
3. **Hood by Stephen Lawhead
4. **White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner SBB Dec 2015
5. **The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyers
6. ** Every Skull Tells a Story by Anne Patrick SBB
7. **Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley
8. **Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena
9. **A Man of Honor by Loree Lough SBB
10.**The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson
11. The Silent Gift by Landon & Kelley
12.**Love Finds a Home by Wanda Brunstetter
13.**Sunshine by Janet Spaeth SBB
14.**Blind Fortunes by Joanna Waugh SBB

Mixed Genres, Many Mysteries Box 3

Titles to be listed soon.
Forever Knight SBB
Coming Back
Deadly Codes
Alex Cross's Trial
Death Mill Mansion
The Woman He Loved Before SBB
Talon
Spinning Forward SBB
Russian Roulette SBB
Tween Heaven and Hell  January SBB 2016
Synarchy Book 2
Circle of Souls
Eureka Point SBB
We Are the Destroyers
Hilltop Sunset
Severed Thread

 Romance and Other Titles - Old box -- 
I need to get an updated picture of those that remain.

All of these have been reviewed and can be found through search on my blog or through the title link.
A = ARC; otherwise it was a Review Book:

1. A - A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore (one ARC, one review)
2. Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers
3. A - Embracing the Highlander by Anita Cleanney
4. Never a Gentleman (The Drake's Rakes Series) by Eileen Dryer (2 copies - one ARC, one review)
5. Relentless Pursuit by Sara Orwig 
6. A - Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon (2 1 ARC)
Along the side of the box:
7. Miss Hildebrand Wore Brown 
8. Notes To Stephanie: Middle Aged Love Letters And Life Stories by Jeffery W Turner -- May 2015 SBB
9. A -  Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
10. A - What in God's Name

Available but not in the picture:
11. The Maverick's Greek Island Mistress by Kelly Hunter SBB
12. A- The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore
13. A- Accidentally in Love with...A God? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff  SBB Feb 2015
14. A- Accidentally Married to...A Vampire? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
15. A - I Own the Dawn by M.L. Buchman

Book Review and Giveaway: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 by Margaret Daley

This is wonderful, gripping Christian romantic suspense.

Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1
(The Men of the Texas Rangers series)
by Margaret Daley

• File Size: 584 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0071OOB1M

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

Review:
Kate Winslow is a daughter of society who has opened the Beacon of Hope School, a home for young girls rescued from the streets. These are teens who were either run-aways or lured into drugs and prostitution. The girls have lived under the manipulating, demanding, frightening thumb of those who use abuse and fear to control the girls and keep them quiet. Even with Kate’s sincere hope, faith and love, and a supporting staff, it takes a long time for the girls to trust.

Wyatt is a Texas Ranger who has volunteered for a special task force to fight a child prostitution ring. Wyatt's investigation into the death of a young girl leads him to the Beacon of Hope School. Wyatt joins Kate to help find Rose, who has gone missing from the home.

Kate’s mother has never liked her daughter’s involvement with ‘those girls’. When she hears of the missing girl she pulls the funding she has given the school. Now Kate has to worry about finding alternate funding while she copes with finding Rose and the fragile condition of the other girls.

Meanwhile Wyatt is coping as a single parent with a 14 year old daughter, Maddie, and a mother who has trouble with keeping to any project or boyfriend for any length of time. Maddie is at an age where she views her father as overprotective, especially with peer pressure pushing her to seek independence.

There is plenty of tension and suspense as Wyatt and Kate ferret out clues that bring them closer to the local leader of the prostitution ring. But Wyatt and Kate have no idea how close to home the bad guys are.

Ms. Daley pulls the reader in with the natural, true to life characters and the strong, suspenseful plot.  I enjoyed how Kate continually looks to the Lord for help and shows that faith to the girls.  The writing is crisp and reads smoothly. All of the ladies in book club agreed that this is one of the best books we have read in a while. I had read the third book, Scorned Justice, in this series two years ago and enjoyed it too. I highly recommend this series and this author to those who like Christian based, romantic suspense.

I picked this book up  in print for my Ladies Book Club. I have had the ebook in my Kindle library since July 3, 2012. It qualifies for my COYER event, TBR Double Dog, and as Author I Really Like in my 2015 Full House Challenge.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY 

to win gently read PRINT COPY

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) February 15, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after February 15, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audio Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

This is delightful and entertaining.
Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren

Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Audible.com Release Date: May 8, 2012
ASIN: B0081CDUII
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
It isn't easy being Sunday's child, not when you're the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true. When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical.
One night, Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland - and a man Sunday's family despises. The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction to this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?
©2012 Alethea Kontis; (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Enchanted is a charming story of the woodcutter’s seven daughters and sons, focusing on the youngest daughter, Sunday. The story incorporates features of many well known fairy tales, including the frog prince, the bean stalk, Cinderella’s lost slipper and many more.

Each of the girls relates to the character traits stated in the old name rhyme. Sunday generally lives up to being 'bonnie and blithe and good and gay' even though she doesn’t always want to be good and gay. She wants more than sitting at home and doing chores. She loves the stories her father tells and writes her own thoughts and stories in a journal. She is careful to write the history of her family as there is some suspicion about what happens if she writes about possible future events.

Sunday finds a frog in the woods and begins a friendship, reading him her stories. She kisses him a few times but nothing happens. One day she kisses him and rushes home not realizing that the spell has finally been broken by their love for each other.

Prince Rumbold, restored from his frog state, returns to the castle where he has learn to live again as a young man. He also has to face the dark forces that included the spell. The Prince wants to go after Sunday but he knows her family resents the King and everyone at the palace. Can the Prince and his friends stop the evil before another of Sunday’s siblings is lost? Will he be able to convince Sunday to love him as a human and leave her family to be with him?

I really enjoyed this fun fantasy. There were twists and turns and varied interesting talents of Sunday and her siblings need to use to defeat the dark magic. The whole story was entertaining.

Audio notes: Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job of narrating this tale. She uses inflection beautifully to enhance the sensitive, sweet moments and the intense, suspenseful dangers. I highly recommend this story in Audio.

I received this audiobook through the SYNC Audio Program in August, 2013, paired with the Classic: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by Lewis Carroll, Narrated by Miriam Margolyes (Bolinda Audio).

This is part of my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, the 2015 TBR Pile Challenge and the TBR Double Dog Dare.