Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2017

Our Sunday School teacher summarized his message from last week so I didn’t miss anything. 😊
Pastor’s Tension sermon today was Tension in Life. (I missed last week’s message on Family. I should be able to get it on tape.)

Pastor used water skiing as a good example today. That is a sport that requires tension (and also needs a technique). When the line goes slack, you will have trouble.

Most of us live with tension; some people bring it with them. We were not designed to live with tension. God designed Eden to be perfect; all was in harmony. Tension is a punishment for sin. Genesis 3:16-19. Tension rose up between man and God and between man and woman. Tension rose up between man and the ground.
Sin ALWAYS leads to tension. Between life and death there is tension.We live in constant tension though not by design. God created a way out by putting our sin (and the tension it brings) on Jesus at the cross.

Point: Tension indicates a difference between God's plan and my plan. I can surrender or try to live with tension.

We become used to life with tension. But it means our plan is not the same as God's. I have to align my life with God's plan. Holy Spirit tension brings us back into alignment. The Holy Spirit works on your behalf to bring you back into alignment with God.

In Ecclesiastes 2 King Solomon, the richest and once most blessed king, notes that men are continually seeking pleasure from things, but find it meaningless. Even riches are meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5.

Perfect peace is only found in God; when our hearts desire to glorify God. Isaiah 26:1-9.
When there is tension, we either surrender or try to live with the tension.

God wants to be the answer to all problems and all your tension. Will you seek to realign your life? Will you surrender to His plan?

I found this song that fits very well!

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 26:3-4
3You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Lord, Thank You that You care to keep us from tension. Please help me surrender to Your plan for my life!

Sharing Beyond Books #323 Comment Giveaway October 7, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
All fourteen of us who commented agree that reviewing doesn't change what we would read. Those of us who review tend to pick genres we like, just as those who read solely for pleasure. Many of us try to read a variety although we don't choice certain genres if we don't like those. Natalija will sometimes pick a different genre to break a reading slump. Several of us read different books when they are recommended by family or friends or maybe even found on blogs we follow. I know I have been picking up books I see on the Mailbox Monday blog links.:-)

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #322 comments is: #10 NATALIJA 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.

**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 #323

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

I don't think I have ever wished this really. However, I recently thought while reading/listening to complex and engaging plots (or watching shows like "Blacklist"), "how does the author come up with, and keep track of, all those creative elements?" [I think the story that recently brought this thought to mind was Valor's Choice because of the fighting strategy issues that were involved.] I know that authors use character and story boards, lists or notebooks, especially for series, but it is still amazing to me how they are always pulling up new plots and character elements. I think one series that fits that is the Mercy Thompson series but there are many.

 Image found at Pinterest.

Faulkner writing on wall image found at Daily Mail news article "Losing the plot.."

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! 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. Rosebud asks: What book did you love so much you wish you had written it??

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 October 14, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

I like this author for fast-paced action, sweet romance between likeable characters – and canine characters too.
On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2)
by Katie Ruggle

File Size: 2103 KB
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 5, 2017)
ASIN: B01ND1K3M6
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“Vivid and charming.”—CHARLAINE HARRIS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Injured in the line of duty,
His orders are simple:
Stay alive.
But when a frightened woman bursts into his life, Hugh and his K9 companion have no choice but to risk everything to keep her safe.
The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.
Because Hugh is tall, dark…and nothing but trouble.
Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.
Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps…
Or both of them will pay the price.

Review:
Kaylee is attending a socialite dinner with her almost “Disney Prince” boyfriend when a wrong turn has her uncovering a crime situation. She manages to escape the last-minute grab of the dinner host but is afraid to go home. A friend helps her get out of town, hidden in the small town of Monroe, CO, where she is known as Grace and must find any job to make a living.

Hugh has been injured and is supposed to be recovering and staying out of the field. But ‘cop mode’ runs in Hugh’s blood and he has a hard time sitting home, even under orders that he is not allowed on scene or at the station. Hugh is really stressed since the force is trying to catch a drug smuggler who keeps sliding through his small town of Monroe.

Hugh meets Grace and, besides being stunned by her good likes, he is immediately suspicious and tries digging for the truth. Grace tries to avoid Hugh but they are like magnets drawing together. After several near-death events, Grace reveals her past thinking that the dangerous bad guy has found her. Hugh still thinks the attempts are against him, not her, but he isn’t about to let her problem rest either.

I liked Kaylee/Grace and Hugh right away. The beginning is fun and quickly moves into high adrenaline action. The story has some crazy moments and there are character actions that caused the reaction “what are you thinking?”. I like the other officers, including the canine characters. The ending seemed a little rushed and I would’ve liked a little more detail on the bad guy’s activities. Also, there were a few incidents of unnecessary (IMHO) ugly language. Still, all in all, I completely enjoyed the fast-paced story and strong romantic chemistry without overdone sexual aspects.

I am always comfortable picking up a Katie Ruggle title as I am confident I will get a good story that includes danger, action and sweet romance. I may have to go back and read the other stories in this series so I don’t miss anything. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense that is full on action and nice romance.

This type of phrasing (location 2899) had me chuckling:

“In fact, the love semitruck was tumbling down the mountainside at high speed with no brakes, about to run her over, flatten her on the pavement and leave its Hugh-shaped tire tracks all over her heart.”

I received this through NetGalley and it qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The League of Governors by Wendy Terrien

This continues a fun middle grade, fantasy adventure.

The League of Governors

Written by: Wendy Terrien

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Series: The Adventures of Jason Lex, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:08-01-17

Publisher: Camashea Press

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Jason Lex just saved the world. Now he's immersed in training as a new Rampart Guard to protect the shield that enables humans and cryptids like Skyfish, Bigfoot, and the Black Shuck, to live side-by-side and danger-free. A summons from the League of Governors, the clandestine organization that presides over the human-cryptid treaty, takes a suspicious turn when Jason's dad and sister disappear on their way to League headquarters. Jason must find them before things go bad, so he follows their trail to London, where he discovers the League of Governors may not be the benevolent organization everyone believes.

Injured and alone, Jason doesn't know whom to trust. After a shocking loss sends him reeling, news about his family forces Jason to make a terrible choice. When he learns of a secret plan to enslave the world, Jason must risk his life to defeat a powerful enemy and reunite what's left of his family. But can he stop a dominating adversary, and again save the world, before it's too late?

©2017 Camashea Press (P)2017 Camashea Press

Review:
This book continues the ‘adventures’, or in this case the “misadventures” of Jason Lex. Jason’s father and sister, Della, flew to London to seek counseling help at the League of Governors. Jason has cause to be concerned when he and his Uncle Alexander can’t reach his father by phone. They decide to follow to London to make sure everything is alright. They quickly learn that things are not all right.

Jason and his Uncle are attacked. When he awakes he is at the League and learns that Uncle Alexander is in a coma. A stranger sneaks him a secret message and Jason doesn’t know who he can trust. Jason struggles trying to determine how he can save his family, and the world, from enslavement by a super powerful, mind controlling enemy.

I am glad that I listened to book one before book two. It was a little hard and frustrating imagining Jason fighting alone. The story goes on quite a bit with danger and little hope of a positive resolution. This makes it a bit dark. Still, I enjoyed the helpful characters and wondering how the other creatures might help defeat the evil. Again, I think middle graders would enjoy the danger and excitement… and it is adequately entertaining for an adult as well.

Audio Notes: Brian Callanan again does a good job with the narration, giving voices to the characters. His strong narration makes the story a fun listening experience. I enjoyed listening to both books.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 6, 2017

Happy Friday!
Whew- I really feel like I'm on the hamster wheel this week. I tried to fight off a cold by going to bed early a couple nights but some early morning appointments still had me ending the days a bit glassy eyed. I hope I will put the cold behind me this weekend.
I had good intentions last Saturday but I didn't accomplish gift cards or the newest box list. I'll try again this weekend.
Meanwhile, book mailouts have been postponed until next week as the assistant that does those for me was out all week as her grandmother has struggled in the hospital.
Thanks for being patient everyone!

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 September 29 Pick. There was one automatic win 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.
CarolNW gets Cold Blooded.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 29 Pick:
CAROL L gets The Champion.
KATE J 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.}

Sure leaves ME happy!
Image found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

To be listed on Saturday. (The Painted House is cassette tapes)

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

PAIRS:
Suzanne Brockman: Flashpoint and Over the Edge
Lisa Gardner: Hide and The Survivor’s Club (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The Duchess Diaries by Barbara Dawson Smith
To Conquer a Highlander by Mary Wine
Cain by James Byron Huggins (Hardback)
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
Reader’s Digest Large Type: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks and Consigned to Death by Jane K. Cleland

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016-- All Gone
The Champion by Heather Grothaus

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
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
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.

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

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,104!+ 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!