Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for October 22, 2021

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"That's wonderful news."

"Maybe for you," Colin drawled. "But it's me going under that scalpel of his."

Mr. Peckwood patted him on one of his big shoulders. "With the progress you've made thus far, I anticipate no problems whatsoever with your upcoming procedure."

~from approximately 56% through Lost in Darkness (Of Monsters and Men) by Michelle Griep

Even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man's own heart.

Enchanting Regency-Era Gothic Romance Intertwined with Inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Travel writer Amelia Balfour's dream of touring Egypt is halted when she receives news of a revolutionary new surgery for her grotesquely disfigured brother. This could change everything, and it does . . . in the worst possible way.

Surgeon Graham Lambert has suspicions about the doctor he's gone into practice with, but he can't stop him from operating on Amelia's brother. Will he be too late to prevent the man's death? Or to reveal his true feelings for Amelia before she sails to Cairo?

This book releases on November 1, 2021. A free Kindle preview is available:

 

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

***************

London, 1815

There was something glorious about the first day of June. The time of year when the earth exhaled a warm breath, coaxing tender shoots and delicate emotion. And for one blessed moment, Amelia Balfour surrendered to the wonder of it, lifting her face to the sunshine beaming through her bedroom window. Surely this was how heaven would feel.

~From the beginning of Lost in Darkness (Of Monsters and Men) by Michelle Griep

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

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First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - What Good

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done."

~Matthew 16:24-27~

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

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Click here to enter

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles, and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for October 15, 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

Should she tell him who they were? That they'd met him before? Not just yet. Because if he didn't know, then when he officially met her, Willa would be attired in her latest costume, because that's what her work attire really was.

~from page 56 of Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Grand Hotel Slowly Reveals Her Secrets

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to consult for the Grand Hotel's possible redesign. She discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily - which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn't who she pretended to be. As Willa reaches out to Lily's descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him, or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life?

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

***************

Outside Detroit, Mid-June 1895

A hatchet, a Bible, and a revolver were Lily's best friends - and Cousin Clem next door with his shotgun. She eyed the flimsy wood-paneled door of the dank room over the tavern. The "music hall" job was supposed to be her venue for the entire summer. Indeed, it was as popular as the proprietor had advertised but in all the wrong ways and for rough clientele. This was no "Opera House," as was clear from some of the obscene lyrics being belted out by the buxom redhead downstairs.

~From the beginning of Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

***************

First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What I'm Reading - October 11, 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee.

This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the Book Date link-up happens weekly, I don't manage to post that often. I aim to post and link about once a month, although I sometimes link up my monthly summary as well. 

To my astonishment (and perhaps a bit of shame), I realized that I've only completed and reviewed two books in the past month or so! I have been unusually busy, but that's still a surprise, especially since there's nothing that I'm almost finished with right now either. I suppose I should pick up the pace, or at least concentrate a bit more.

I finished reading . . . 

Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan - A unique graphic novel version of the Snow White story set in 1920s New York. Beautiful artwork! (Read my full review HERE)

A Pressing Engagement by Anna Lee Huber - Kiera and Gage take a few breaks from the stress in the days leading up to their wedding to investigate the background of a gold torc she received as a wedding gift.  (Read my full review HERE)

I'm currently reading . . .

As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber - Kiera and Gage end their honeymoon early when they are summoned to investigate a murder at an Irish abbey. (I hope to stay up to date with the Lady Darby Read-Along group on Facebook as we continue reading together through the series)

The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Anna Lee Huber, and Christine Trent - This is an anthology of mystery novellas surrounding the common element of a cursed gold watch and its journey through the years. Anna Lee Huber's contribution to the story features characters from the Lady Darby series, so it is the next book to be discussed in the Lady Darby Read-Along group on Facebook. (I won't be able to finish this in time for the discussion, but hope to at least finish the Huber story!)

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - I had set this aside awhile ago, but picked it up again and despite my slow pace, this is the one I'm determined to finish next. Margaret is sorting through all her complicated relationships against the backdrop of complicated master and worker dynamics during England's industrial revolution.

 

Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds by Michael Knowles - just barely started on this, but it's thought-provoking so far. I imagine I'll have to leave it on the backburner while I catch up with some of the other books that have deadlines.

At the Edge of the Orchard: A Novel by Tracy Chevalier - Again, not very far into this one, and although I'm enjoying it, I may have to set it aside in favor of some other reads. It's about a family struggling to survive on a homestead in Ohio.

Next on the stack... 

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick

Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween by Lisa Morton

A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn

. . . and I have a couple of review books on their way to me which will have to take priority over a couple of these!

   

     

     

What I'm Highlighting . . . Along with a few blogging friends, I'm participating in an Online Book Club that is a little different. Instead of all reading the same title, we'll be reading books that have a theme in common. That way readers of all ages, homeschoolers or not, can participate. Our theme for October is Pumpkins. Stop by HS Coffee Break to find out more.

On my blogs recently . . . 

Besides the reviews, here on Just A Second you'll find:

Scripture and a Snapshot posts

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines posts

Monthly Bookshelf Review - September 2021

And on my "first cup blog", HS Coffee Break:

I Spy posts (#37-40)

Happy Thanksgiving! Canadian Style

Five Minute Friday - Complete

Online Book Club - October Theme: Pumpkins

Currently . . . October 6, 2021

September Photo Album

High School Writing Tip Sheets - The Essay Writing Process

Online Book Club - Wrapping Up September: Apples

Share Four Somethings - September 2021

Five Minute Friday - Care

How Do You Keep Records and Calculate Grades?

Five Minute Friday (on Tuesday) - Purpose

What are you reading?

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - Lord of the Harvest

When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

~Matthew 9:36-38~

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles, and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Scripture and a Snapshot - They Devoted Themselves

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

~Acts 2:42-47~

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We love to look at that last verse and get excited about the Lord adding believers to the early church day by day. God was doing a mighty work among those first Christians! But maybe we should take a look at the beginning of the passage for some clues about why God was working in and through them, and why people were being saved and joining them.

They devoted themselves to the faith - to the teaching from the Word, to prayer, and to being in community with other believers. God made his presence known among them in a powerful way because they were seeking him with all their hearts. They wanted to grow spiritually, and they were committed to doing the things that would draw them closer to the Lord.

We are fooling ourselves if we think our faith will grow if we aren't spending time in his word and in prayer. We are fooling ourselves if we think we can grow in Christ when we don't bother to participate in the church. 

I suspect the early church faced many more hardships than most of us do, and they were often in real danger when they lived out their faith. But they sacrificed to provide for each other when there were needs, and they got together to worship and do life together every day. Many of us are just lazy, to be honest. Too lazy or too scared or too self-centered to show up to church even once or twice a week. Too lazy or too distracted to get into God's Word every day. Too lazy or too busy to help meet needs or meet for Bible study or meet for prayer. 

Lord, help us to do our part, to devote ourselves to the things that will promote our spiritual growth! Help us to watch expectantly for what you will do through us and among us when we get serious about living for you. And help us to always give you the praise and glory!

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles, and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for October 1, 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

Hurst was implying - as he always did - that this was none of Violet's business, and she knew that it really wasn't, but obtaining justice for the dead had undeniably become a passion of hers over the past year. Particularly when the dead were so maltreated.

~from 56% on my Kindle version of The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Anna Lee Huber, and Christine Trent

A stellar line-up of historical mystery novelists weaves the tale of a priceless and cursed gold watch as it passes through time wreaking havoc from one owner to another. As the hours and years pass, the characters are irrevocably linked by fate, each playing a key role in breaking the curse and destroying the watch once and for all.

From 1733 Italy to Edinburgh in 1831 to a series of chilling murders in 1870 London, and a lethal game of revenge decades later, the watch touches lives with misfortune, until it comes into the reach of one young woman who might be able to stop it for good . . .

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

***************

February 10, 1733

He never would tire of watching her sleep.

In his boyhood, when he'd still believed in such things, he'd imagined what angels must look like. To his eyes, awake or asleep, that was how Mary looked. Like an angel. His angel.

~From the beginning of The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Anna Lee Huber, and Christine Trent

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

***************

First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.