Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 15, 2021

Happy Friday!  That was another fast week for me. How about you?

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 January 8, 2021 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 no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from January 8, 2021 Pick:
LINDA H gets a GC
AND
MARJORIE gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

If I did resolutions, these are some I like.
Image found at Writers Write.

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

The Promise by TJ Bennett
A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
Alaskan Renegade by Kate Bridges
Killing Floor by Lee Child
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
Snowflakes on the Sea by Linda Lael Miller
Murder in Plain Sight by Marta Perry
One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
No Ordinary Man by Suzanne Simmons
The Scot by Lyn Stone
The Abducted Heiress by Claire Thornton
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Three Complete Novels by Sandra Brown (Best Kept Secrets, Mirror Image, and Slow Heat to Heaven)
Select Editions Four Novels: Safe Harbor, The Analyst, Fallen Angel and Open Season
Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
The Celtic Riddle by Lyn Hamilton
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Castles in the Mist by Jose Litton
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Thief of Hearts by Teresa Medeiros
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
Familiar Stranger by Sharon Sala
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Senseless by Mary Burton
Indefensible by Pamela Callow
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
Final Appeal by Joanne Fluke
The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook


PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
A Little Magic (Sorry - I initially listed this as Dark Magic)
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry  hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
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.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
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.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
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

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
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
Too 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
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
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One 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 TEN years I have posted 91 groups of 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling 1,477 books available to find new homes! (As of November 6, 2020).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,348+ 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 faraway 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!

Book Review: Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

This is a nice, sweet romance/second chance story.

Coming Home for Christmas
(Haven Point #10)
by RaeAnne Thayne

Publisher : HQN; First Time Paperback edition (October 27, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1335147993
Genre: Christmas, Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…then a car accident stole away her memories. When she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, Bridger’s baby-powder smell and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth reasoned that they’d moved on without her. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke discovers her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. Being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all make new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning?

Review:
Elizabeth and Luke were madly in love. He came from a broken home and was enthralled by the love and acceptance that Elizabeth offered. But Elizabeth experiences debilitating grief after the death of her beloved parents. This is exacerbated with postpartem depression after the birth of her second child. One night she walks away from her husband and her two children and disappears.

Seven years later Luke, 12-year-old Cassie and 8-year-old Bridger are still suffering from the mysterious disappearance (and abandonment) of Elizabeth. Luke is about to be arrested and charged with murder and the children are subject to nasty comments. When Luke learns that Elizabeth is alive, he sets out to bring her back to prove his innocence. He is angry and she is surprised, saddened and shamed for having brought such trouble and sorrow to her husband and children.

Initially Luke doesn’t want to hear what happened to Elizabeth. Once he begins to listen, he is able to recognize the struggles that his wife has had to overcome after a serious accident that caused temporary loss of memory and damaged her face and body. Bridger never knew his mother and is willing to get to know her. But Cassie is resentful and unwilling to open her arms to this unfamiliar woman. Elizabeth longs to be reconciled with her family but she accepts responsibility for their fears and reluctance and even wonders if she is worthy to be part of their loving group. Can the tenderness of the Christmas spirit help them to find a new chance for love and family?

I have never had depression go beyond a day or so before I refocus. However, I have had family members who suffer from anxiety and depression and I recognize it as a dreadful illness that can require medication and/or counselling therapies. Even so, I had trouble relating to Elizabeth. I couldn’t understand why she would not contact Luke after her memory returned and she was released from rehabilitation. That is all part of the story and part of the issues the characters have to address.

As always, I enjoyed the character development by Ms.Thayne. She is a wonderful story teller sharing emotions and romance in real life situations. I recommend this author and this story as a warm romance featuring the best of Christmas and second chances.

Source: Won from Bookfan in 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Review First Book 2021: The Harbinger II, The Return by Jonathan Cahn

I find this to be timely in our social and political environment.
First Book 2021!

The Harbinger II
The Return
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson

Series: The Harbinger, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-01-20
Publisher: Charisma House
Genre: Christian Prophesy, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Are the unprecedented crises of our times the signs and warnings of coming judgment? Does an ancient mystery hold the secret to the events of our times and the future of America and the world? Is this mystery even behind the shakings that have now overtaken the world and America? How much time do we have left?
In 2012, Jonathan Cahn caused a worldwide sensation with the release of his first book, and massive best seller, The Harbinger. It was hailed as "stunning", "prophetic", "mind-blowing", and "astonishing". Cahn followed it with best seller after best seller, but he has always held off on writing a sequel. But now, for the first time, Cahn opens up what could not be unlocked before - the mysteries that couldn’t be revealed until the present time, the manifestations that have taken place since The Harbinger came out and up to the present hour, and the mysteries of what is yet to come.
Ever since The Harbinger was released, people have been asking:
Is an ancient mystery determining America’s future?
Have the harbingers of judgment continued to manifest on American soil?
Is America closer now than ever before to judgment, and what lies ahead for America and the world?
©2020 Jonathan Cahn (P)2020 Charisma House

Review:
Nouriel was called to be a watchman and give warning in the first book, The Harbinger. He shared his experiences meeting “the prophet” and receiving nine seals that revealed nine harbingers or warnings that appeared on American soil. The warnings involved the events of September 11, 2001 and actions of America that were leading to God’s shaking and potential judgment.

Like the first book, The Harbinger II, presents parallels between God’s covenant with, blessings given and then punishment on His beloved nation of Israel and God’s apparent covenant, blessings and potential punishment on America. This book continues to show similarities between the ancient and modern nations. Nouriel explains, in a fictional story-telling fashion, how he is shown examples of the people of America, like the people of ancient Israel, turning their backs on Godly values and pulling away from God. Moving forward from the shaking warning of 9/11, Nouriel is shown further events reflecting the accelerating disobedience and flouting of Biblical foundations by the people of America, including disintegration and devaluing of the family unit, growing rejection of moral values, and, most damaging, the increasing numbers of abortions in America and support for abortions in other countries.

This zipped by and is fascinating! The author presents one after another connection of dates and events that go far beyond coincidence. He shows a pattern in the founding of Israel that was echoed in the founding of America. And now, the decline (arrogant growing sins) of and resulting punishments on Israel are seen playing out in America. Cahn argues that the rebuilt towers, now the One World Trade Center, is a warning ‘harbinger’ and shows alarming events including the face of the goddess Kali lighting up the side of the Empire State building in 2015. Cahn refers to Biblical passages that speak to God’s grace and multiple warnings including plagues (COVID-19).

The bottom-line themes of Jonathan Cahn’s books are personal salvation (relationship with Christ) and encouraging Americans to follow the call of 2 Chronicles 7:24 which states: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I am always impressed by the extent of Biblical historical connection and ‘Godincidences’ (not coincidences) that Cahn shares in his books. This is another fascinating book that my husband and I enjoyed. I was glad to have this as my First Book of 2021.

Audio Notes: Lawrence Richardson does a wonderful job narrating the book. He captures the tentativeness of Nouriel and his amazement at the facts that are revealed. I was struck how on occasion Mr. Richardson sounded like the author and I liked that. My husband and I are glad to have both the audio and print book to follow, research and make notations in.

Source: Audible August 2020 credit and print purchase. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post January 10, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 11, 2021

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.

The first week of 2021 was not so pleasant for America. I pray that the rhetoric on both sides would calm and allow for dialogue and steps toward unity. Sadly, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Meanwhile, my first week in the office was also tense as Heather was out with a foot infection. I had to step in to cover the closings and fundings. Other staff members pitched in and we got everything done. I should have worked on legal work Saturday but I took the day off to read and do computer things. There is always next week to jump back into the files. 

For those that didn't realize it, my Hubby is, and has always been, our primary cook. God brought us together because He knew I would need someone to cook for me. :-) Due to his health he doesn't cook quite as much lately and it was a treat to have more homemade breakfasts during the holidays since that is my favorite meal.

Thanks for mentioning the photo programs. I tried Pixlr this week and that was easy.

My Christmas gift (to myself) was the repairs of these items. My wedding and engagement ring needed prongs fixed so I wouldn't lose the aquamarine again. The marcacite ring needed a new gem. Although darker than the pastel stones, the garnet was selected as it is the only one we found with the right size to fit. Plus it is my birthstone. The bracelet was made from a necklace that had broken.

We had several cold - stay inside - days this week.
Temps this coming week are to run a little colder 31 to 61.

I finished two books last week -- one print and one audio. I posted two reviews, my usual memes, year end reading wrap up and 2021 Goal posts.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Bob on Books. The link goes to Bob on Books 2021 Book Challenge that is calling to me. 

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 3, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 4, 2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Solitude by Dean M. Cole; Genre: Alternative History, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Murder on New Year's Eve, A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1, by P. Creedan; Genre: Cozy, Animal, Mystery; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

• MBS December 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• MBS 2020 Reading Summary and Top Picks.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 8, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/14/2021.

• MBS 2021 Reading Goals.

• Sharing Beyond Books #412 Comment Giveaway January 9, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/23/2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 10, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Paperback/TBR

Coming Home for Christmas
(Haven Point #10)
by RaeAnne Thayne
  This is a nice, sweet romance/second chance story.
Source: Won from Bookfan in 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

World Made by Hand: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 1
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
This is the first book in a character driven post-apocalyptic dystopian series.
Source: Audible Plus Catalog December 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Paperback/TBR

A Stockingful of Joy
by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King
I have really enjoyed the first two stories.
Now on to the next two.
Source: My own print TBR stack and author collected books (Putney and Barnett).
Now readers can enjoy the magical spirit of Christmas with this romantic quartet of stories filled with all the hope and joy of the holiday season.

2. Audi/Smartphone (NG2020)

The Salvage Crew
by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne
Narrated by Nathan Fillion
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 10-27-20
I love the voice of the narrator. And I'm enjoying the story too.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
Award-winning actor Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle, The Rookie) brings to life a snarky artificial intelligence you won't soon forget. Don't miss his hilarious performance in a story perfectly crafted for sci-fi fans of The Martian, Red Dwarf, and We Are Legion (We Are Bob).
They thought this was just another salvage job. They thought wrong.
An AI overseer and a human crew arrive on a distant planet to salvage an ancient UN starship. The overseer is unhappy. The crew, well, they're certainly no A-team. Not even a C-team on the best of days. And worse? Urmahon Beta, the planet, is at the ass-end of nowhere. Everybody expects this to be a long, ugly, and thankless job.
Then it all goes disastrously wrong. What they thought was an uninhabited backwater turns out to be anything but empty. Megafauna roam the land, a rival crew with some terrifyingly high-powered gear haunts the dig site, and a secret that will change humanity forever is waiting in the darkness. Stuck on this unmapped, hostile planet, lacking resources, and with tech built by the cheapest bidder, the salvage crew must engineer their way to payday...and beat Urmahon Beta before it kills them all.
©2020 Yudhanjaya Wijeratne (P)2020 Podium Audio

3. eBook/Computer (NG2020)

The Pugly Duckling
by Carla Siravo
I absolutely could not resist this cover!
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Jean and Joe Duck were oh-so-surprised, When their duckling hatched, not quite the right size, With a curly-swirly tail and hairy-scary paws, And furry fat rolls and sharp beast claws. They loved their son, though he was ugly, Not quite a duckling, and a little bit pugly.

January 10, 2021 - It is interesting how familiar and how new the Word is as I begin my 6th year in a row.  I am reading/listening the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I didn't start last week so this week I will start the four day study: New Year: Living With Purpose.

I completed two books and posted two reviews. I have the first book plus two new reviews for this week.
NetGalley shelf is: 15.  
Three author titles in queue as I accepted a new one this week.
(Plus a few that I received from 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: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one new Audible audiobook for review.
I picked up four audio deals at Chirp.

One free Kindle title this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received Audible Code from the Author:
1/8/2020 Author Audible Code

Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20

Won

NONE

Purchased

I guess it's a good thing I didn't make a resolution for no purchases.
I found these at Chirp at prices I couldn't resist; Total: $6.86.

Legacy Rejected $.89
Written by Robin Patchen
Narrated by Becky Doughty

Legacy Restored $1.99
Written by Robin Patchen
Narrated by Becky Doughty

Christmas in Three Rivers $.99
Written by Liz Isaacson
Narrated by Becky Doughty

Dachshund Through the Snow $2.99
Written by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Free

One free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 10, 2021

We shared in online church again this morning. Pastor started a new sermon series this morning titled: “Battle On”. This is based on Romans 7 and 8.

Pastor used the example of going to summer camp. Everyone attended and opening meeting where they were told the rules. The boundaries of the Camp were set. Areas of off limits or “Do Not Enter” signs were noted. These were set for protection but there were always those who saw them as temptation.

The Law was there and focused on actions, works. We judge others, even more than ourselves, by the rules, the law. If man tries to live up to the law, he acts as though he can save himself. But salvation is only gained through faith, by accepting the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Law doesn’t determine our salvation. Once we accept Christ, we are dead to the power of the law. The Law is both revealing and corrupting. Disciples of Christ are becoming like Jesus. Followers are dead to the law and alive in Christ. Romans 7:5-6.

The Law says what to do or not to do but doesn’t provide any power to follow. It gives no power to control the nature within to sin. The Law initiates a battle between the Christ-like nature and the flesh (sin) nature in us. It is an ongoing battle.

We must pursue Jesus more than trying to avoid sin. Be on the offense, not the defense. As you live for Christ some of those sin items may fall away. Life is going to have temptations. You must use the power of the Spirit to fight the enemy.

The Point: Battle on by living in the Spirit.

The enemy wants to destroy you. You never had the power on your own to prevail, but the Spirit can give you the power to stand.

God’s Grace promises to give us strength to battle on, to live a Holy Life. When we fail, God’s Grace gives us strength to go on.

I thought of this song for today: Battles

Verses for Today:
Romans 7:5-6 (NLT)
5 When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.
6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

Thank you God for the Power of Your Grace.