Sunday Words of Encouragement July 14, 2019

This morning we enjoyed a video on growth of Christian communities in Colombia and Nairobi. These revivals started with prayer against evil spiritual strongholds (spiritualists, mediums and witches) and God honored the prayers of the people. The evil elements moved out and spiritual (and economic) growth occurred in the communities.

Our pastor and his wife were away for a funeral of a good friend. Our youth pastor led youth song praise and worship and then gave the message continuing in the Resolution series. This morning’s sermon was based on Hebrews 11:1-7 which is more of the letter addressed to the Jewish Christians who may have been facing persecution.

The purpose of Hebrews is two fold:
1. Elevate Jesus above anything else, this is who God wants us to follow.
2. Challenge believers to stay faithful even during struggles and facing persecution.
Chapter 11 addresses “Faith”. Not the faith that is religion but faith that is trusting God that He will do what He has promised even when we don't see the path. We often seek the signs of God over the word of God.

We may be praying for God to show up but faith is the evidence of things we cannot see. Faith is trusting in the Word. It is faith in His word not in works.

Don't be a spoiled child seeking what is in His hands. Instead be thankful and trust Him to give what is needed.
Hebrew 7:6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
We need to trust His word over our circumstances. God's word still stands!

Isaiah 55:11; Luke 1:37 The word of God will never fail.
Hebrews 6:13 Abraham waited patiently….
Hebrews 11:7 Noah acted by faith….

There is a gap between where you are and where God is. This gap is where we fall if we give up trusting. We need preparation, strength and equipment to travel the gap. That is what the Word provides. The foundation of faith is in the word. That foundation will get us to the promise.

I think this song fits this message:

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV Faith in Action
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Lord I praise You and give you thanks that You have allowed me faith to trust Your path and Your promises.

 

Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey

This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.
But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…
As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.
Revised edition: This edition of A Quiet Life In The Country includes editorial revisions.
©2016 T E Kinsey. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Flo has been lady’s maid and companion to Lady Emily Hardcastle for many years. They fled China after Lady Emily’s husband was murdered and lived in India before returning to London. Now they have moved to the country expecting to live quietly. Only a few days into settling in Lady Emily and Flo go for a walk in the near by woods and stumble upon a death scene. A local young man is hanging from a tree. At first look the police may think this is a tragic suicide until Emily starts to point out the details that show this is really a crime scene.

Lady Emily decides to help the local authorities. Mistress and maid decide to become detectives like Holmes with sidekick Watson. They continue to visit socially while doing questioning. They are invited to attend a local birthday celebration which ends up with trouble. A man is found dead the morning after the party. Inspector Sunderland is addressing the death while the party hostess pulls Lady Emily aside and asks for her help. Knowing that Lady Emily and Flo are doing amateur sleuthing the hostess asks if they can investigate a special jewel that has gone missing.

Lady Emily and Flo are busy if not quiet. They have a lovely relationship that is unusual for the aristocracy in 1908. There is a little mystery to their history which adds to the intrigue of the story. Flo is skilled in martial arts so she is confident she can protect them for the most part. Both Lady Emily and Flo are quick to discern crime clues and are adept at subtly questioning witnesses. Although the initial reaction with the Inspector is hesitant, he soon recognizes their helpful input and they develop a nice friendship. The country setting presents an opportunity to portray village life.

I enjoyed the combination of historical setting, unusual character friendships and busy mystery. The tongue in cheek relationship between mistress and maid/companion adds nice humor. I would pick up more titles in the series when I am looking for a nice historical mystery. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical, cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices for the characters and captures the unique British humor. The narration enhanced my enjoyment in this story.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sharing Beyond Books #373 Comment Giveaway July 13, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
It is nice to know that most of you have support for your reading. Nine and 1/2 have support; and five and 1/2 do not have support; two have family who are "okay". The 1/2 has a mother that supports reading and a father who doesn't. Another commenter doesn't have partner support but her dogs love to cuddle while she reads. :-)

The Winner from SBB #372 comments is: #4 FREDAMANS who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**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 #373

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: I have become quite inspired by the HGTV shows, do you enjoy this type of show??

I occasionally will watch some of the HGTV shows as I like real estate hunting and remodeling.

Image found at HGTV.com.

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. Marjorie asks: I have become quite inspired by the HGTV shows, do you enjoy this type of show??

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 July 27, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs:Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo

This is an easy, fun listen.
Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2, Monster Hunter , Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75

Publisher's Summary
A new novel in the Monster Hunter Memoirs series. Two authors, who combined have over four million books in print and 10 New York Times best sellers, team up to expand Larry Correia's Monster Hunter universe!
Nightmare in the Big Easy
With New Orleans out of control, Chad Oliver Gardenier, one of Monster Hunter International's premier hunters, has been dispatched from Seattle to reinforce the beleaguered members of MHI'S Hoodoo Squad in their fight against the darkness.
Chad had once taken a werewolf while wearing only jogging gear. With half a dozen or more loup garou appearing every full moon, mysterious shadow demons, houdoun necromancers, 50-foot bipedal crocodiles showing up every couple of months, and more vampires than a Goth concert, New Orleans in the '80s gives a whole new perspective to the term hell on earth. In fact more monsters are popping up than crawfish at a fais do do! Chad may be able to collect enormous bounties for the monsters he kills. But there's one catch: He has to stay alive to do it!
©2016 Larry Correia and John Ringo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Chad Oliver Gardenier took the chance to get out of Seattle where he had a target on his back for messing with a young (40 year old) elf. Chad doesn’t like the heat of Louisiana but soon realizes that he likes the food, the women and the busy hunting action, not necessarily in that order.

New Orleans is experiencing an increase of supernatural creatures and it is important for the forces who fight the monsters to get control of the infestations before the issues leak to the pubic at large. The local communities aren’t such a problem since they are inclined to believe in the paranormal and magic and most of the people love the HooDoo squad.

I liked the more relaxed relationship between the Monster Hunter International (MHI) team and the local authorities including the local officers in the Federal Monster Control Bureau (MCB). The MCB is tasked with keeping supernatural from the public eye. When an incident occurs the MCB have a clean up crew and a mostly reasonable accidental explanation for the damage and deaths.

I was glad to listen to this cheeky monster hunting journal in the MHI universe. This series is full of action and humor. Chad is fun although on the wild side as a Casanova aka Player. He feels his exuberance in life is justified since he expects to die soon considering the nature of his business fighting werewolves (loup garou), vampires, zombies, strange squid, giant (elephant size) mole rats and eventually giant land scrambling, people eating lobsters (or similar crustacean). Chad actually does have a soft side for his friends and teammates and he tries to save the innocent bystanders whenever he can. This comes out even with some bad language and lots of ‘battle’ action.

It was nice to have some regular MHI characters join the New Orleans battle including, Earl, Ray, Milo and even MCB Agent Franks. This story is presented as a journal of Chad’s early days in New Orleans. The journal includes fun and serious tips for younger hunters and fun details regarding the Puff bounties which were numerous. I recommend this to those who already love the MHI series and as a fun listen to someone who might want to try the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a wonderful job narrating this series. I love his emotional energy as well as his multiple voices. Listening is a wonderfully entertaining experience.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 12, 2019

Happy Friday! Busy work week this week. Working to get caught up --- still.

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 July 5, 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 was one title blocked this week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from July 5 2019 Pick:
ALINA gets a GC
and
Life's Simple Pleasures 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 is another nice beach scene!
Image found at World Magazine.

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
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate 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
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,257+ 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!