Audible Book Review: Polar Vortex by Matthew Mather

This got a little long and dreary but I was satisfied when it ended.
Polar Vortex
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 04-02-19
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0, Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A routine commercial flight disappears over the North Pole. No wreckage. No transponder signals.
Mitch Matthews is writer struggling to make ends meet when his wife's brother offers them a first-class seat on a flight from Hong Kong to New York. When his wife needs to stay behind, it becomes an opportunity for some quality daddy-daughter time with his five-year-old Lilly. At check-in, they run into a strange Norwegian arguing with a huge Russian. A mysterious redhead is guarding a package in the business lounge. But everything is fine...right up until the event.
Within hours of Allied Airlines 695 disappearing, a massive international search is launched. Aircraft and ships are dispatched from Russia, America, Canada, and Norway. How can a modern airliner simply vanish in one of the most heavily monitored places on Earth?
Global tensions rise. The media and grieving families whip into a frenzy. The armed forces of America and Russia tip the world toward the brink of an apocalyptic war.
Weeks later, found on the ice in a chance discovery, the journal of Mitch Matthews reveals the incredible truth behind the disappearance of Allied 695, and what really happened in the Polar Vortex.
©2019 Matthew Mather (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Review:
Mitch Matthews leaves his wife in Hong Kong while he takes a flight with their five-year old daughter, Lily, to return to their home in New York. The flight pilot is his wife’s brother, who is known to have a drinking problem and possible anger issues regarding Mitch. As a struggling writer, Mitch journals his observations of other passengers, his surroundings, and the events that occur.

Mitch’s brother-in-law allows Mitch and Lilly the rare opportunity to visit in the pilot’s cabin. They learn a little about the plane and its route before the rotation of crew has them returning to their seats. They fall asleep and wake to find the plane has crashed on the ice of the north pole.

A handful of passengers, including several dubious characters, must work together to try to survive the hostile environment. This is more edgy as there are suspicions of sabotage that brought the plane down and has inhibited the ability to communicate the location of the crash. Several conspiracy theories abound.

There was a lot in the story that was a stretch to believe and the dreariness of the situation made it almost unpleasant to continue. However, I enjoyed the mystery and the unfolding of the final scenes. I did guess the important passenger although not the reason for the attack. I also like the use of the journal entries being used by the searchers to find the plane and determine the cause of the crash. I would recommend this story to fans of adventure (willing to stretch) and mystery stories.

Audio Notes: Tom Taylorson is a new narrator to me. I enjoyed the distinct voices as well as the tone that fit the narrative style of the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/30/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Inside Jobs, Tales from a Time of Quarantine by Ben H. Winters

This is a humorous take on crime during Quarantine situation.

Inside Jobs
Tales from a Time of Quarantine
By: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Kevin T. Collins, Ellen Archer

Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 04-30-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
Three offbeat stories of crime and conundrum, set in the present moment, from The New York Times best-selling, Edgar Award-winning author of Underground Airlines and The Last Policeman.
Inside Jobs: Tales from a Time of Quarantine includes:
The Crimson Parrot
It's not easy masterminding the crime of the century when your whole gang is working from home. A high-stakes tale of larceny, deception, and teleconferencing.
The Cape House
As the world shifts around them, two estranged brothers end up in their childhood home. But it's the memories they unearth that will change them forever.
Stop Motion
With endless time on her hands, an apartment-bound young woman gets to all the hobbies she's neglected—martial arts, playing the sax, photography...and solving a murder?
©2020 Ben H. Winters (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
This is a fun look at crime and the route it could take during a pandemic. The Crimson Parrot tells the tale of three thieves planning a heist through a Zoom meeting. Behind their meeting they have to deal with family or situational issues. Learning new technology won’t change the stripes of these criminals.

The Cape House is a house inherited by two estranged brothers when their father dies. They have memories of the home but most of them are not good memories. They realize that each one wants to keep the house for their own reason. But they don’t want to share. They discover their father’s pistol hidden in the attic and now their options expand.

Stop Motion is my favorite of the three stories. It has elements of Rear Window as a woman stuck in her apartment begins to suspect a neighbor has killed his partner. She ropes her former boyfriend into helping her investigate. It is a little macabre, but fun…in a twisted way.

I always love irony that twists in a story and the author does that well in these three short stories. I didn’t realize this was an author I read before but when I checked I realized I like another short story, Q&A, that I listened to. I think I have looked at his longer works and now I am ready to take a longer look. I recommend this to fans of mystery with twists.

Audio Notes: The three narrators, Scott Aiello, Kevin T. Collins, and Ellen Archer deliver the stories with clear voices that fit the characters and the situations. I am glad that I got to enjoy this on audio.

Source: December 2020 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post April 24, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 25, 2022

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.

Hubby is back in hospital to get the fluids off so he can breathe easier. (See Friday Status Update post for more detail.)  This week his attitude is improving. He still anticipates short time remaining but he is willing to go to rehab and try to get his strength up so he can move around the house and maybe cook a little. I am spending an extra three to four hours a day at the hospital, in the morning and evening, to give him some visiting time and to meet with the doctor for updates.

We've had no internet at home for over a week now so I am staying late at office just to get this post up.  I am not sure when I can visit blogs or upload more posts.

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders.
.

Our weather has been mostly nice.

I enjoyed my listening and reading (when the app worked) last week.  I finished two audiobooks and the eBook. I posted only the Sunday/Monday Post and a Status Update.

I didn't get to visit any blogs as I have no internet at night and I am working during the days.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 17, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 18, 2022.

• No Friday Pick This Week and Status Update.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Let Her Be by Lisa Unger; Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological, Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Legend: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 1
By: Christopher Woods
Narrated by: Marc Vietor
Series: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 1
I liked this merc space stories.
Source: 8/15/2021 from Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

Chinook (Miranda Chase NTSB #6)
by M.L. Buchman
I really like the unique characters and situations in this story. It's just sad it takes a month to read on Kindle.
Source: March 2021 from Author (through BookFunnel).
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Smear
How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote
By: Sharyl Attkisson
Narrated by: Sharyl Attkisson
Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
This is remarkable -- and disturbing.
Source: Audible 11/14/17 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Ever wonder how politics turned into a take-no-prisoners blood sport? The New York Times best-selling author of Stonewalled pulls back the curtain on the shady world of opposition research and reveals the dirty tricks those in power use to influence your opinions.
Behind most major political stories in the modern era, there is an agenda - an effort by opposition researchers, spin doctors, and outside interests to destroy an idea or a person. The tactic they use is the Smear. Every day, Americans are influenced by the Smear without knowing it. Paid forces cleverly shape virtually every image you cross. Maybe you read that Donald Trump is a racist misogynist or saw someone on the news mocking the Bernie Sanders campaign. The trick of the Smear is that it is often based on some shred of truth, but these media-driven "hit pieces" are designed to obscure the truth. Success hinges on the Smear artist's ability to remain invisible, to make it seem as if their work is neither calculated nor scripted. It must appear to be precisely what it is not.
Veteran journalist Sharyl Attkisson has witnessed this practice firsthand. After years of being pitched hit jobs and puff pieces, she's an expert at detecting Smear campaigns. Now, the hard-hitting investigative reporter shares her inside knowledge, revealing how the Smear takes shape and who its perpetrators are - including Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal and, most influential of all, "right-wing assassin turned left-wing assassin" (National Review) political operative David Brock and his Media Matters for America empire.
Attkisson exposes the diabolical tactics of Smear artists and their outrageous access to the biggest names in political media - operatives who are corrupting the political process and discouraging widespread citizen involvement in our democracy.
©2017 Sharyl Attkisson (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Keeper
A Novel
By: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate
Series: Stoney Ridge Seasons, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
I decided on a change of pace and a “K” title in the mixed Audio goal.
Source: 4/18/17 Audible Sale $5.95.
Publisher's Summary
Life on Windmill Farm hasn’t been the same since Julia Lapp’s father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn’t stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding - again - she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul’s sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.
Can Julia secure the future she’s always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?
©2012 Suzanne Woods Fisher (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

I have no idea what ebook or maybe print I will pick next. I will probably get to a "P"audio book but I haven't chosen that yet either.

April 24, 2022 - I've been able to keep up with reading but haven't watched the connected videos for a week since I don't have internet at home. I look forward to when I can watch them again. Bible Reading Plan: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I know it won't match my Hubby's reading but I wanted some different insights/devotions and I am enjoying the devotion video project. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I look for a new study soon.

I completed three books for review. I have five outstanding reviews to post.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I am reading the last eBook title I had in queue.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I haven't been online to select books but I will make time to get my VIP pick at Audiobook.com this week.
I added four ebooks to my Kindle TBR library last week while I was online a short time.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

4/22/22 I picked up four free kindle titles to add to my library.

Four Free titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Audible Book Review: Let Her Be by Lisa Unger

This is a dark, rather depressing, but ultimately intriguing listen.
Let Her Be: Hush Collection
By: Lisa Unger
Narrated by: Chris Andrew Ciulla

Series: Hush Collection
Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 07-30-20
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A writer’s misguided suspicions ruined his life once before. This time he plans to prove he’s right in a New York Times bestselling author’s haunting short story of what happens when seeing is not believing.
Will, an aspiring novelist, can’t stop parsing his ex-girlfriend’s popular social media accounts for clues that her ideal new rural life with the perfect man has a dark side. After all, nobody he knows has actually seen the blissful blogger in the flesh for nearly a year. When Will draws a wary friend into his “investigation,” the real question becomes who’s truly in danger.
Lisa Unger’s Let Her Be is part of Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.
©2020 Lisa Unger. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
The story opens with Will describing his depression and attempted suicide. He was upset by the apparent rejection and abandonment by his ex-girlfriend. Her social media posts would make it seem she is enjoying a simpler lifestyle in seclusion with her new boyfriend. Will is obsessed with her and begins to think that the blog posts are faked. One of his ex’s best friends is trying to help Will work past his obsession and depression. She begins to believe there may be something in his suspicions and she travels with Will to investigate a location they think has appeared in the posts.

The best friend has long had a crush on Will. But her interest in him may put her in danger she doesn’t suspect as the web of deception gets more clouded.

I was a little bit uncomfortable with the negative emotions…but perhaps that is the author’s intent and a sign of successful story telling. I did appreciate the twist revealed in the end. To that point, I recommend this quick listen to fans of dark, phycological stories.

Audio Notes: Chris Andrew Ciulla seemed to provide spot on narration. The tone fit the dark nature of the primary character and the female voices worked as well. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: August 2020 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

No Friday Pick This Week and Status Update

Hello all -

Just a quick [it expanded as I wrote] update on my home front. My hubby is back in hospital with continuing issues. As of a month ago he had under 30% lung capacity then his last X-ray showed that part all blocked too. They treated him for pneumonia but there will be no restoration of the rest of the lung damage. (The result of chemical damage from his work years ago.)  His condition is aggravated by heart concerns as he had open heart surgery a few years ago and has a pacemaker. He is also being treated for type 2 diabetes. Both of these contribute to the fluid retention.

The medications left his legs and arms swollen which is uncomfortable and painful. Because I am at work, no one is home with him and he was struggling just to get from bedroom to bathroom. The walker I got for him helped but he still has little strength to pull himself up and now he fears falling. No way could he go downstairs to the kitchen so I was going home at lunch to make sure he would eat something. He is frustrated and feeling like a burden on top of having to struggle to get his breath and move around. :-(  I have more empathy now for caregivers.

They put him back in hospital to try to get the excess fluids out of his body. The treating physicians have agreed he will get some therapy to keep him mobile and he will likely be discharged next week to rehab instead of coming straight home. If rehab is not helpful, we will move on to home health (Hospice) care. He is 79 (birthday 7/4/42) and part of him is ready to go be with Jesus. The other part doesn't want to leave me alone. He has been working hard the last year to pay off our mortgage and build up a nest egg as I will lose half of our household income when he dies. These are all usual end of life dilemmas.

Between caring for him and taking him to doctor's offices I am falling more behind on office work. Add to that our internet service at home stopped working a week ago so the blogging I do at night can't be done.That makes me sad and frustrated... more stressers. :-)

Sooo -- please pray for my hubby, me and our family. And please be patient regarding blog items. I'll get here when I can fit time in. 

 Meanwhile I hope everyone is enjoying spring (or autumn if applicable) and some good books!

Sunday Post April 17, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 18, 2022

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.

Work is juggling especially as I am missing time taking husband to doctor appointments and picking up equipment and prescriptions. I have more empathy for caregivers as it is time consuming and adds tasks I don't usually do (like fixing meals).

We had no internet for the weekend and I was finishing up my taxes. I had to go to the office in between monitoring my hubby. I am running behind posting and visiting. Not sure what I will get done this week.

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders.
.

We had a terrible hail storm on Saturday and lost power. Hubby went on his carry oxygen while we called neighbors to help me get our generator hooked in and on. It is a good system with it's own breaker box but I didn't have the strength to move the system in our garage. Hubby was beyond frustrated on top of worrying about his oxygen levels.

I enjoyed my listening and reading (when the app worked) last week.  I finished three audiobooks and made small progress in the eBook. I posted two reviews, and my usual memes except my Sharing Beyond Books post is delayed.

I visited only 14 blogs last week.
No Shout Out picked this week.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 10, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 11, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn; Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Werewolf; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6, by Craig Alanson; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 15, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/21/2022.

• Sharing Beyond Books Post Delay.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 17, 2022 Happy Resurrection Day.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Let Her Be: Hush Collection
By: Lisa Unger
Narrated by: Chris Andrew Ciulla
Series: Hush Collection
Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins
This is another new to me author. I picked this for my stand alone "L" mixed alphabet.
Source: August 2020 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Inside Jobs
Tales from a Time of Quarantine
By: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Kevin T. Collins, Ellen Archer
Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins
This is another quick audio for "I" stand alone mixed alphabet.
Source: December 2020 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Polar Vortex
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 04-02-19
This got a little long and dreary but I was satisfied when it ended.
I didn't have my list available when I picked the next book so I got a "P" title for Mixed Alphabet.
Source: 11/30/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
A routine commercial flight disappears over the North Pole. No wreckage. No transponder signals.
Mitch Matthews is writer struggling to make ends meet when his wife's brother offers them a first-class seat on a flight from Hong Kong to New York. When his wife needs to stay behind, it becomes an opportunity for some quality daddy-daughter time with his five-year-old Lilly. At check-in, they run into a strange Norwegian arguing with a huge Russian. A mysterious redhead is guarding a package in the business lounge. But everything is fine...right up until the event.
Within hours of Allied Airlines 695 disappearing, a massive international search is launched. Aircraft and ships are dispatched from Russia, America, Canada, and Norway. How can a modern airliner simply vanish in one of the most heavily monitored places on Earth?
Global tensions rise. The media and grieving families whip into a frenzy. The armed forces of America and Russia tip the world toward the brink of an apocalyptic war.
Weeks later, found on the ice in a chance discovery, the journal of Mitch Matthews reveals the incredible truth behind the disappearance of Allied 695, and what really happened in the Polar Vortex.
©2019 Matthew Mather (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

Chinook (Miranda Chase NTSB #6)
by M.L. Buchman
I am still enjoying this and making progress, even if slower than I'd like. I am at 68%.
Source: March 2021 from Author (through BookFunnel).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Legend: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 1
By: Christopher Woods
Narrated by: Marc Vietor
Series: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 1
I like the merc space stories.
Source: 8/15/2021 from Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
2018 Dragon Award Finalist for Best Military Sci-Fi Novel
In the era of the original Four Horsemen, there comes a Legend.
At a time when Humans were just starting to venture forth into the Galactic Union as mercenaries, Martin Quincy survived long enough to do something no one else had - he retired.
There was only one problem: He got bored.
After battling aliens for many years - killing aliens and getting paid - retirement didn’t suit him, and he decided to strap on the combat armor and go back to the stars. Along with his old friend Kal, Martin joined Cartwright’s Cavaliers, humanity’s best merc company. Life was exciting!
But he got bored. Again.
What does a "legend" do when even the merc life gets boring? He starts his own company! Can Martin form a merc company out of non-merc races and stand up for the downtrodden of the galaxy, or has his long string of good luck finally run out? One thing is for sure - with Torvasi and Andori troopers, and a Sirra’Kan princess as his partner, he won’t get bored again!
Includes Shattered Crucible, a bonus novella in The Four Horsemen series.
©2018 Seventh Seal Press (P)2018 Podium Publishing

April 17, 2022 - These videos are really good - they help me retain more and help explain plot narrative as well as the underlying story of Jesus. Bible Reading Plan: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I know it won't match my Hubby's reading but I wanted some different insights/devotions and I am enjoying the devotion video project. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I look for a new study soon.

I completed three books for review this week.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I am reading the last eBook title I had in queue.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I selected my two March audio titles at Audible and picked up two free titles in Audible Plus catalog.
I added three ebooks to my Kindle TBR library this week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/16/2022 I selected two Audible Credits for March.

Hard Magic
Book I of the Grimnoir Chronicles
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Monster Hunter Bloodlines
Monster Hunter, Book 8
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Free

4/10 to 4/16 from Audible Plus:

Exiled Fleet: Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2)
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: Exiled Fleet, Book 1-2

Sufferings in Africa
By: James Riley
Narrated by: Brian Emerson




4/4 to 4/8/22 I added three free kindle titles to my library.

Reluctant (Red Chronicles Book 1)
Kendrai Meeks

Broken Ascension: A Science Fiction Adventure (Trystero Book 1)
Dave Walsh

Shadowblade (A Dance of Fire and Shadow Book 1)
Jay Aspen

Three Free titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 17, 2022 Happy Resurrection Day!

I enjoyed a Resurrection Sunday School message that the empty grave and Christ’s appearing to many proves his message of hope and restoration! The sermon message was similar message. We prayed for local and world needs and issues. We welcomed more new members which is always a lovely thing!

Our (Interim) Pastor recognized that it is a Special Day and shared his sermon titled: What Has Christ Conquered? The primary scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.
Pastor also noted that Resurrection is the proof of Christ's forgiveness and promise of restoration.
The tomb is empty.
Religious leaders, trying to protect their own powers and control over people, lied and bore false witness.
Christ entered the city on a donkey as a king of peace and not as conquering king on a war horse.
Religious leaders stirred the crowd to seek crucifixion.
In truth Christ came as a conquering king for future but also a king today.
Here are three things Christ conquered.

1. He Conquered Death. Matthew 28:1-8. 1 Corinthians 15:23- 26 Christ is the first fruits and the last death. v50-57. We win!
2. He Conquered the devil. Matthew 12:40. Hebrews 2:14-45. Revelation 1:18 Jesus has the keys of death. The enemy is limited and his time is short.
3. He Conquered doubt. Who is this? Matthew 28:6-10, 17. Some did not believe. Mark 16:11-14. Luke 24:21-27. They did not know the scripture. John 20:9-10. John gave testimony that others would believe! John 20:26-31.

Don’t doubt. Believe that Christ conquered death and the devil!

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 NIV
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Christ is risen! He is alive and He is our Living Hope!

Sharing Beyond Books Post Delay

Our internet is out at home so I won't be able to post Sharing Beyond on Saturday Night.
I will try to post it early next week.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 15, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
ARGHHH! How did it get to be Friday already? I woke up Thursday morning thinking it felt like Saturday. It must have been subliminal, wishful thinking.
I posted the books I bought at yard sale on my Sunday/Monday post. Some of those will go into the Friday Pick. I will try to get the new Friday Pick Box image up today or tomorrow.

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 April 8, 2022 Pick. There was no automatic win last week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked last week.

CONGRATULATIONS to:
Random.org picked Winners from April 8, 2022 Pick:
NATALIJA gets a GC
AND
MARJORIE 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.}

 This is a cute spring book image.
Image found at The Globe and Mail.

New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three Audio CD Books:
Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,394 books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] 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, TWRP, 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 faraway 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!