MBS 2017 January Reading Wrap-Up

MBS 2017 Reading List

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017

No 5 Stars but Forbidden came close.

1. ABBTBR- Audio Book Review: Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Patriots of Treason by David Thomas Roberts; Political Thriller; my rating 4.25.
3. PT- Book Review: The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Alla Campanella and Ken Massey; Satire, Self-help; my rating 3.75.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
5. NGTBR- Book Review: Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery by Kate Kingsbury; Cozy Mystery, Ghost; my rating: 4.25
6. eTBR- Book Review: Forbidden by F. Stone; Suspense, Romance; my rating 4.75.
7. ATBR- Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
8. NGTBR- Book Review: Terminal Regression by Mallory Hill; Dystopia; my rating 3.75.
9. NGTBR- Book Review: Kalico Jack by Mike Nahorniak; Illustrated Children's book; my rating 4.0.
10. eT- Book Review: The Heatstroke Line: A Cli-Fi Novel by Edward L Rubin; Climate Sci Fi; my rating: 4.0.
11. ABJ- Audio Book Review: Goliath by Steve Alten; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.
12. eTBR- Book Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway: The Remnant by William Michael Davidson; Futuristic Sci Fi, Christian; my rating: 4.25.
13. PTBR(LBC)- Book Review and Giveaway: All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life by Mark Batterson; Spiritual growth; my rating 4.5.

Total read = 13; TBR = 10; New Authors = 11
Audio/Audible = 5
eBook = 3 (two tour reviews; 1 author request)
NetGalley = 3
Print = 2

Sunday Post February 12, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 13, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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.

Once again I had a quiet week which was good since I have still been working under a little cold fog. I just kept plugging away.
Hubby got antibiotics on Friday so he is starting to feel better. He is wearing his LifeVest now to get the monitoring that his doctor wants.
We had some strong winds this week but otherwise the weather has been good.

Reading was good but again I only finished two books: one ebook and one audible. I posted two reviews (never got the third up this week) on the blog and posted all of my usual memes.

I am enjoying my visiting again 25+ blogs last week.
My shout out this week goes to Savvy Verse & Wit. Serena does a wonderful job spotlighting poetry and hosting poetry tours.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 5, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 6, 2017.

• Book Spotlight: A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr.

• Guest Post: Story Ideas Ripped from the Headlines PLUS #Giveaway. Ending 2/11/2017.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 10, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/16/2017.

• ABJ- Audio Book Review: Goliath by Steve Alten; Military Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• AA- Audible Book Review: Audible Review: It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise by Rob J. Hayes; Fantasy, Steampunk, Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #290 Comment Giveaway February 11, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/18/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 12, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG TBR)

From London with Love: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy
This is an engaging Regency Romance; released 2/7/17.
Received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible (TBR)

Linesman
Written by: S. K. Dunstall
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
I REALLY liked this and am anxious to get to the second book as soon as I finish two listens that have deadlines.
(TBR Audible.)
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Someone to Hold (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh
This started a bit down but at mid way I am enjoying the characters and their situations. Received from NetGalley.
Released 2/7/17.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible (TBR)

The Soldier's Secret
Written by: Heather Osborne
Narrated by: Kristyl Dawn Tift
I am two+ hours in and enjoying this.
I received this from AudaVoxx for review as a new member gift.
Publisher's Summary
A picture of pure shock and curiosity, Emma placed her empty glass down, "Surely, you are not suggesting I dress as a man and enlist in the Union Army!"
"That is precisely what I am suggesting."
In an era when women are adornments, northerner Emma Mansfield finds it challenging to fit the mold. It becomes an impossible task when her country is torn apart by civil war. Knowing she must take action, Emma finds herself in the midst of danger and intrigue when she takes up the guise of a young artillery soldier for the Union Army. Desperately trying to find out if her two brothers are alive, Emma must maintain her anonymity as she fights for survival.
Please note: this is historical romance. I have represented the historical facts to the best of my ability and done countless hours of research. However, I have taken some liberties and creatively interpreted some items to make the story more entertaining. I hope you enjoy this work of fiction.
©2015 Heather Osborne (P)2015 Heather Osborne

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Glenfiddich Inn
by Alan Geik
I am looking forward to reading this book received  from the author.
One hundred years ago August 1915, the Great War was beginning its second year. Nobody thought the initial battles would last long-and yet it soon evolved into the most devastating, horrific war known to man. It would continue in its senseless brutality for two more years—ultimately dragging the United States into it.
It’s America in 1915—
The still distant Great War in Europe creates unexpected opportunities for the Morrison and Townsend families in Boston while, at the same time, they watch with dread as the ferocious conflict reaches across the ocean.
William Morrison’s boss, the bank president Joe Finnerty, is also a relentless con man. Whether it’s elaborate stock frauds, war profiteering or just dipping into a widow’s trust account—Finnerty’s ever-cheery amorality both captivates and repels William.
William’s wife, Margaret is also captivated—but for her it is with wireless voice transmissions. It’s called “radio,” and while she is certain it will soon transmit a voice, even music, for as much as several miles, she is dismayed by its use on the battlefields of Europe.
Margaret’s sportswriter brother Byron Townsend covers the Boston Red Sox and its simpleton teenage sensation, Babe Ruth. He believes the World War will be the defining event of his generation and he intends to go to the front lines as a journalist.
Byron’s wife, Helen, shares Margaret’s passion for radio. They form a strong bond in their quest for independence—a bond that will be severely tested by love affairs and patriotism.
But after a German torpedo sinks the ocean liner, the RMS Lusitania, no one’s life will ever be the same again.

February 5, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two new books and posted two reviews. That keeps me at four due.
I now have 17 NetGalley Titles and 12+ author titles in my queue.

We're working on another title to go up on the eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.

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 three review audio books this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but picked up two $.99 Kindle titles.
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (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

I received three Audiobooks for review:
I received this from AudaVoxx for review as a new member gift.

The Soldier's Secret
Written by: Heather Osborne
Narrated by: Kristyl Dawn Tift
See full description above under Currently Reading.

Received for tour through iReads Book Tours; review on March 16.

A Fine Year for Murder 
by Lauren Carr

Received from eStories.
The Detainee
Written By Peter Liney
Genre: Dystopia
"The island is the end of all hope - until 'Big Guy' Clancy finds a blind woman living in a secret underground warren, and discovers a reason to fight."
This sounded good to me and is not available on Audible.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Kindle $.99 deals:


Navigator (Books 1 - 4): Complete Series
SD Tanner
"The Navigator series is a fast paced, action-based story following the people who will need to become a tight knit team if they're to defeat an enemy capable of taking over the world."
This looked like a nice sci fi bargain at $.99.

A Promise in Defiance: A Christian Historical Western Romance 
Set in Colorado (Romance in the Rockies Book 3)
Heather Blanton 
Christian Western
Problem is I will need to buy Books 1 and 2 also.

Free

I only added 52 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 12, 2017

We had a good morning with our Sunday School teacher speaking on “10 lessons learned from Superbowl LI”. We enjoyed a song list of older praise songs. Then pastor continued with his series, When Faith and Life Collide, moving into James 2 which discusses second chances.

God knows that humans are not very smart. God repeatedly has to tell us how to deal with each other. James 2:1-7 tells us not to show preferential treatment to a rich person over a poor is a passage that pastor refers to as “red flag scripture”. That means that we must be careful how we apply the text. We have to research the circumstances so we do not bend the text to a wrong interpretation. Who is James writing to and what is he referring to? It appears that James was speaking about the judicial system. If you were a Christian in the first century you were most likely persecuted and your possessions confiscated. Those coming into the sanctuary dressed in fancy clothes are the rich and therefore most likely unbelievers.

Continuing with James 2:8-13 we are told not to favor anyone over another. Because we are all sinners. We may not be murderers or adulterers but if we have committed any of the sins ($.05 theft, white lie, disrespect of a parent, failing to keep the Sabbath day) we are still sinners. So how should we treat another person who we may know has sinned?

The Point: Default toward mercy, because God's mercy to you is linked to the mercy you show.

You can be kind to anyone but mercy is for those who need it (which includes us all). Mercy spares one from punishment; it is not getting what you do deserve. Grace is unearned favor; getting what you don't deserve. Grace is unlimited. Mercy is limited.

God calls us out of mercy to obedience.

There is a place and time where God withdraws mercy. We don’t want to be there. Don't spurn mercy; don't push your luck; don't be the unmerciful servant. Change your direction from mercy to grace.

I found this song that tells us all – You are Beautiful!

A Verse for Today:
James 2:1 (NLT)
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

Lord, help me in all my contact with people to see them through Your eyes where we all have value as your special creations.

Sharing Beyond Books #290 Comment Giveaway February 11, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

All sixteen of us are silent readers. The only time we read out loud is when reading to our children or when listening to audio books ... which of course means we are listening not speaking. :-) And then there were those who read loudly in their heads!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #289 comments is: #15 Nikki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #290

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: To most people, pets are treated as part of the family. So I'm curious, if you have pets, do your pets have human names or pet-specific names (eg. Snoopy, Garfield). If you don't have pets, what would you name your pets if you had some??

We've had a mix of names over the years. Our current dogs have pet names: "Princess" for the long-legged rat terrier and "Bear" for the long-haired miniature dachshund. However, our son named his cat (who has lived with us since he went into the service seven years ago) "Tiger Lily" - she is tiger striped. When we had a dove, she was "Rosie". My family dogs when I was a child were Chippy (shepherd mix) and Trinka (doberman). My childhood yellow cats were Daisy and Buttercup. My adult cat, a gray beauty of 18lbs and my companion for 18 years, was "Gandalf".

Image found at Pet-Names..

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: Nikki asks: To most people, pets are treated as part of the family. So I'm curious, if you have pets, do your pets have human names or pet-specific names (eg. Snoopy, Garfield). If you don't have pets, what would you name your pets if you had some??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 February 18, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Audible Review: It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise by Rob J. Hayes

This is a fun heist caper with duels and romance.

It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise
Written by: Rob J. Hayes
Narrated by: Schatzie Schaefers

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-16-16
Publisher: Rob J. Hayes
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Set in a new world of corruption, deceit and thievery; mixing magical fantasy and alchemy punk with a healthy smattering of airshippery. It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise follows Jacques Revou and Isabel de Rosier, a couple of charlatans at the top of their game.
After completing the biggest heist of their career, Jacques and Isabel are ready to retire, until the king's shadow councilor freezes their assets and forces them to work for him. Jacques and Isabel find themselves thrust into the social elite, playing the parts of Baron and Baroness Bonvillain, as they attempt to uncover a plot that threatens the entire kingdom.
©2014 Rob J. Hayes (P)2016 Rob J. Hayes

Review:
Isabel and Jacques are lively and engaging characters, adventurous and creative thieves. The couple were all set to retire in comfort with the spoils of their biggest and ‘last’ heist. Then one night they find intruders in their new home. They are confronted by a mysterious, supposedly cripple man and his male and female body guards or goons. The man is the king’s shadow councilor who has frozen all of Jacques and Isabel’s assets to force them to do his bidding. They must pose as a couple known for dueling skills - Baron and Baroness Bonvillain. They are to infiltrate the local nobility to ferret out suspected conspirators who are threats to the king, queen and the newly announced, unborn heir.

Jacques and Isabel are used to play acting, so assuming the roles is not such a problem. And they are pleased with the nice mansion they are provided to decorate and occupy. But the nobility are nicer than their strong arming boss and the bodyguards who are trying to teach them to shot and fight. The problem is that Jacques has no aptitude for shooting. Plus, the ‘Baron and Baroness’ are actually making friends with some of the people they are spending time with until one of them challenges ‘the Baron’ to a duel to the death!

Jacques and Isabel do uncover a conspiracy, but it isn’t the one they expect. Looks like they need to plan a heist to save their own hides from assassination. Jacques finally gets to ride in the steamships he’s been obsessing over, if only he can keep it from being their last ride.

The story has wonderful banter and energy. Isabel and Jacques are clearly in love and willing to take risks for excitement but they have their own standards of thievery. There were good twists and bits of irony. There was good pacing although there were also some issues raised that weren’t fully explained like the mystery of the Ooze – little worms seeming to ooze and grow in the sewer tunnels.

This is a fun fantasy with steampunk airships, duels and fun romance elements. I recommend this to readers who enjoy those elements with a good conspiracy romp. This is the first story I have read by Mr. Hayes but it won’t be the last.

Audio Notes: The narration is excellent. Schatzie Schaefers provides a wonderful performance of the primary characters, conveying their energy and love. She does a good job with all the other characters too. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the fun story.

I received this audio book from the author. This qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge as well as "I" in 2017 Alphabet Challenge.