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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Sunday Post August 26, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 27, 2018

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.

My week was fairly standard: work 9-6; come home, eat, work on the computer, then crash around 10pm or so.
Our weather is starting to cool off in the morning. It is very pleasant to sit on our balcony sharing coffee with hubby and watching the chickens. We are now getting 2-3 eggs each day. :-)

I enjoyed my listening and ereading was good but a little slower. I finished two audio titles and am making good progress in two ebooks. I posted four reviews and all of my usual memes.

I visited 26 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Nerdy Reader Girl, an "avid reader, writer, and blogger."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
  • 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)


Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was looking for something light and this sure fit the bill. I always find humor and romance with Julia Quinn characters.
My 4.5 review is linked above. 
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.



2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
One Man's Opus audiobook cover art


One Man's Opus
A Survival and Preparedness Story
By: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Series: One Man's Opus, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins
I enjoyed this solid story. My review is linked above.
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Man's best friend.
Rick is like many Americans. He's concerned with what he sees on the news, and how the country seems to be ready to tear itself apart. His biggest concern has been civil unrest. Already an avid camper, he sets out to secure his future, and career, by finding his own Eden.
Tina is a small-business owner and knows what she wants in life. She and her furry companion find themselves at gunpoint when Rick walks back into her world and forever changes the dynamic between them.
One dog, who's been the savior, protector, and companion...Opus. The owner of two humans that mostly understand him. Mostly.
When the police walk into an ambush, a series of events forces the couple to bug out. The problem with having to leave for a small town, at a remote location, is it really isn't a secret. Small towns bring their own problems with crime, and power plays. Everybody knows everybody, and the gossip mill runs as fast as lightning.
Will the trio be as prepared as they need to be?
©2017 Boyd Craven III (P)2017 Boyd Craven III



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)


The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
I am at 70% in this interesting thriller. 
(I realized I had to get this read for my review date.)
Source: Partners in Crime; Tour Review and Giveaway 8/29.
Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.
After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.
Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.
He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.
Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.



2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)


Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
35% in I like the characters and story so far. I was sorry to put it on hold but I'll get back to it early this week.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
Spider's Bite audiobook cover art


Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
I'm a good third into this urban fantasy; 
having mixed feelings.
Source: Audible 2012 Sale purchase. 
Publisher's Summary
They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.



4. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one): Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles by [Kibbee, K.]


Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one)
by K. Kibbee
I'll try to squeeze this cute looking book in for August reading.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun.
Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.


August 25, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.


I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews (plus one previously linked to Goodreads). 
That leaves me one review to post. I actually thought I had completed it but it was all in my mind! :-)
I'm doing pretty good adding current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I have some older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 11. I still have two author titles in queue and one more review titles. Still many 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 picked up one review book this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals and am eyeing sale titles.

I did pick up one Kindle title.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles 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 from Author Marketing Experts.
A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by [George, Christina]A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella
by Christina George
I'm starting to be drawn to Christmas titles. This sounds like a fast, cute read.




Won
NONE


Purchased
I am eyeing the Audible $5.95 sale but haven't made any purchases yet.
Pandemic (The Extinction Files Book 1) by [Riddle, A.G.]I did pick up the kindle version of Pandemic (The Extinction Files Book 1) by A.G. Riddle for $2.49.
This will allow me to pick up the Audible for $1.99, which is still less than the $5.95 sale price. :-).




Free
I added 23 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded while listening one afternoon. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

13 comments:

  1. Ah the cooler mornings must be welcome. My sister has just acquired chickens too - just two - and she loves them and the eggs I am sure. Yes Julia Quinn can be relied on for light and fun.

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  2. I think holiday novellas are the perfect length for that time of year. Enjoy!
    Also, how exciting to get a few fresh eggs each day.

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  3. You have chickens too? I don't know how you have time to read. Enjoy your new books!

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  4. I am listening to It's In His Kiss by Quinn. The series has been fun on audio. I am loving the new holiday novella you acquired. That would perfect for the #HoHoHoRAT

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  5. The Former Assassin caught my eye. Enjoy all of your books and have a great week; thanks for visiting my blog.

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  6. I have only read a couple of Julia Quinn's books, but they're always a great read! And those Kindle freebies can be trouble.

    My list!

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  7. The Former Assassin sounds great. I'll have to add it to my wishlist. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  8. Your Currently Reading books look awesome! Enjoy your new grabs!
    I am hoping the cool mornings come soon. This last weekend was nice but now it's super hot again.

    Have a great week Martha! Happy Reading!

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  9. Theodore looks adorable. See what I read this month at Girl Who Reads

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  10. I’m very happy that it’s getting cooler at night. It’s hard to sleep during the summer. I hope your chickens keep making eggs. A lot of chickens get lazy when the weather gets colder. Have a great week.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  11. I will have to look into The Bridgerton Series, this looks like something I would really like! I also love the author Lynette Austen.

    I have to admit, I started to read Pandemic and only got about 10% in before going to another book. I can be very bad like that! It has good reviews, so I am sure that I will go back to it at some point! Hope you enjoy it!

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  12. I am so happy to see the Christmas books coming out. They are my favorites. Because of Miss Bridgerton looks good too.

    http://imperfectchristianmom.blogspot.com/2018/08/mailbox-monday-aug-27.html

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  13. The nights are definitely drawing in now and it is still pitch black when I get up at 5am - Autumn is surely on its way!

    Julia Quinn books are very popular over here in the UK, although I have yet to read anything by this author myself.

    'The Former Assassin' sounds like one I would enjoy and has received some excellent Goodreads ratings and reviews, many from among my circle of blogging friends, so that's always a good recommendation.

    I hope that you are enjoying the read too and I look forward to your thoughts about it :)

    Yvonne
    xx

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Your comments are always appreciated!