Sunday Post May 19, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 20, 2019

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.

This looks like a repeat from last week:
"Work continues. Our new employee seems to be doing well considering how much we have 'thrown at her' this week.
I contacted the architect's office repeatedly but, in spite of one reply, there is no progress. I'll be back on the phone this week."

I found a couple of poppies like this along our front walk. Sadly most of the yard is full of weeds as we wait for the yard man.

Tiger Lily is moving normally and eating again.
Our weather is expected to reach the 100s this week. We are waiting for a new air conditioner to replace the one broken. (The upstairs one still works.)
We're watching the finale of Game of Thrones tonight.

My reading/listening week was so-so; not wonderful. I finished 3 books: 2 audiobooks and 1 ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to From Beginning to Bookend. Hannah had a video book blog and is currently posting her reviews at Goodreads.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 12, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 13, 2019.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Still Life by Dani Pettrey; Christian, Religious Romance, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• NG2019- #NetGalley: Deadly Vows by Jody Holford; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 10, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/23/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Storm Cursed, Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11 by Patricia Briggs; Fantasy, Paranormal, Werewolves; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #369 Comment Giveaway May 18, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/1/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 19, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Storm Cursed
Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 05-07-19
This is another entertaining addition to a great series.
My review is linked above.
Source: March 2019 Audible credit (pre-order).
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eb-LBC)

The Breaking Point
by Karen Ball
This is full of emotional conflict. 
This was our LBC book, discussed Saturday 5/18.
Source: 2016 Print purchase. 4/28/19 Kindle version.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

God of War
By: J. M. Barlog, Cory Barlog
Narrated by: Alastair Duncan
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
My son encouraged me to listen to this. 
Being familiar with the game would probably make it a better reading/listen.
Source: February 2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
The official novelization of the brand new game
His vengeance against the gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive...and teach his son to do the same.
This startling reimagining of God of War deconstructs the core elements that defined the series - satisfying combat, breathtaking scale, and a powerful narrative - and fuses them anew.
©2018 J. M. Barlog (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page
Release date May 7, 2019.
This has started nicely.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hope of Azure Springs
by Rachel Fordham
Narrated By: Coleen Marlo
Unabridged Audiobook
Duration: 8 hours 7 minutes
I will listen to this for my "Spring" title.
Source: Audiobooks Credit April 2019.
Summary:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone. For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart. Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance listeners back to the 1880s and the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

In Darkest Days May Blossom
by Leila Snow
I liked the sound of this and chose it as a "May" title.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
♥ A GRITTY TALE OF ADVERSITY AND THE SHEER POWER OF LOVE ♥
Bruised but not broken, she stood in the mud of the street, wearing nothing but a tattered shift the day Jonathan first saw her. He had watched in mesmerized fascination as the girl swiped a filthy arm across her split lip, squared her shoulders, and raised her chin in defiance of her assailants. But when, by random happenstance she turned her head and her piercing, blue eyes met his regard, Jonathan knew his entire world had tipped on end.
Charlotte had known nothing but adversity and hardship the entirety of her life. Orphaned at a young age and condemned to fend for herself, she learned to trust no one and rely solely upon her own strength. Yet, when she’s cut down in the street for a crime she didn’t commit and Jonathan comes to her rescue, Charlotte is begrudgingly compelled to the realization that perhaps hope and love do exist in this miserable world.
England, at the end of the 18th century, is a land exemplified by firm divisions between the social classes. What is a life of ease and prosperity for some, is an arduous existence for others. Nevertheless, ’tis true that love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places. But when a grievously injured Charlotte is falsely accused of a crime and sent to one of the most infamous prisons in the land, the tender bud of Jonathan and Charlotte’s love is threatened. Jonathan is forced to defy family in a desperate bid to save her from the hangman, whilst conspiracies and betrayal are afoot in a cruel effort to keep them apart.
“Better far thou art, a piece
Of God’s own heaven-born beauty,
Smiling in this wintry time.
Doubtless ’tis thy duty,
Us to teach that love and grace
In darkest days may blossom,
And that a tender bloom of hope
May shine in sorrow’s bosom.”
-J.J. Britton

May 19, 2019 - I got a half day behind and had to catch up this week. I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I read the three day plan: You Are What You Think. I'll pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted three reviews. I continue to be current for review posts.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.  (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is now at 15 unread. I am working on the now 6 April titles. [I have 4 5 old titles (2012-13!) that I might get read this year too.]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
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 didn't get any new review books.
I resisted the daily deals this week but picked up one free Audible Original.
I downloaded week 4 titles from SYNC.
I picked up NO free kindle titles. (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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

5/17/19 Audible Original
Black Crow, White Snow
by Michael Livingston
Narrated by: Janina Edwards
Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 05-02-19


SYNC Audio 2019 Week 4: May 16 – May 23
SPILL by Leigh Fondakowski, performed by Elisa Bocanegra, Nicholas Hormann, James Morrison, Darren Richardson, and a full cast (L.A. Theatre Works)
MEET THE SKY by McCall Hoyle, narrated by Morgan Fairbanks (Blink)

I added only NO free titles to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.