Sunday Post August 28, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 29, 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.

I am feeling much better having I worked from home through Wednesday and moved any appointments off another two weeks. No one else in the office got ill from COVID last week although one of the staff had a viral infection with cold symptoms.

We will be in between the two offices this coming week as we transition back. The plumbing was done by Friday and the phone people have pulled the line into the building. We have boxed our files and 'stuff' and the desks are ready to be moved. Next week I hope to have some "Finished Construction" photos.

This is the photo I wanted to share after my Illinois visit.

The family, including me, participated in the local library summer reading program. The Illinois crew have the blue "Read Beyond the Beaten Path" shirt. I got the "Reading Colors Your World" T-shirt since I was very late to the challenge.

The twins are on either end (standing on the deck). The elder child in the middle looks shorter because she is down on the sidewalk with the adults.
My son managed to get the dogs in the photo too, even though they didn't read.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

Repeat: Our temps are still running mid 80s to 90s with regular showers.

I enjoyed two more audios.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs last week.
Shout Out today: FIRST OF ALL.  Victoria says she "When I share with my readers, I share my personal experiences and hopefully give them 'news they can use.'"

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

These were the posts over the past two weeks:

• Sunday Post August 21, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 22, 2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Elemental Thief by Rachel Morgan; Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 26, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/25/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Wolves by D. J. Molles; Genre: Dystopian, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 28, 2022 - Think and Practice.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Chirp App Smartphone (ATBR)

The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson
Run Time 10h 9min
This is a nice Christian fiction with gentle romance and just a little suspense.
Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
This kept me up when I should have been sleeping.
Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Audiobooks App Smartphone (ATBR)

Spellsinger [Dramatized Adaptation]
By Alan Dean Foster
Narrated by: Multi
Duration: 8 hours 1 minutes
This is a fun fantasy listen.
Source: 3/14/2021 Two for One Young Adult Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com.
Summary:
Snatched through a portal into a land of magic, a young musician must use a mysterious, multistring duar to rescue the world into which he has fallen before he can return to his own. Jonathan Thomas Meriweather is a typical college student, interested in girls, music, and an occasional taste of reefer. But when a journey through an interdimensional portal lands him in a world of talking animals and ominous sorcery, he finds he is on a very different trip indeed. Here, when he plays a strange instrument called a duar, peculiar things happen: powerful magic that may be the only way to stop a dark force that threatens his new world-and his old one. Reluctantly, he finds himself teaming up with a semi-senile turtle wizard; a thieving, backstabbing otter; and a bewildered Marxist dragon to rally an army for the war about to come. Spellsinger, the first in Alan Dean Foster's eight-book Spellsinger series, introduces a world of magic and mayhem, where animals are people and plunging ahead no matter what the consequences may be the only way to survive.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Double Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 4
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 09-13-16
I like this series which provides an easy listen.
Source: 9/18/2021 Audible August Credit.
Publisher's Summary
An inexperienced officer. A dysfunctional ship. Life in the Deep Dark just got a whole lot harder.
In his first assignment as an officer, Ishmael Horatio Wang finds himself fresh out of school, wet behind the ears, and way out of his depth. Aboard the William Tinker the senior officers are derelict and abusive, the crew demoralized and undisciplined, and change unwelcomed and dangerous. Can Ishmael use what he learned aboard the Lois McKendrick to help the crew find the ship's heart? Or will he discover that bucking the system may come at too high a price? Return to the Deep Dark with Ish in this fourth installment of the award-winning Solar Clipper series, as he makes the transition from crew to officer.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

I am sure I will get to another audio but I haven't decided yet. I am thinking mystery.


August 28, 2022 - I am on track and continue to enjoy the informative videos in The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read the pieces each day.
No new study this week.

I still have 5 books to review plus 7 children's books. I will have to push to catch up.

NETGALLEY STATUS-- One new short audio book.
My NG shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(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.
One new Audio NetGalley title this week.
I selected my two August Audible credit titles.
Seven free Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
***ATTENTION: Mailbox Monday is looking for a new host! If you’re interested, please email savvyverseandwit AT gmail ***

Review Titles

8/27/2022 NetGalley Audio

Until Someone Listens
A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl's Mission
by Estela Juarez; Lissette Norman
Narrated by Estela Juarez

Won

NONE

Purchased

8/28/2022 Audible Two August Credits: (a favorite series and the 1st in a new-to-me series)

Soul Taken
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-23-22

A Borrowing of Bones
A Mercy Carr Mystery By: Paula Munier
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-11-18

Free

8/22/2022 - Amazon find

Sea of Shadows (USS Towers Trilogy Book 1)
Jeff Edwards

8/22/22 Author email Notice

The Secret Diary of a Magnificent Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Charmed by Gracious Lords 2)
Norton, Aria


Amazon find

Her Glimmer of Hope: A Historical Western Romance Book
Carol Colyer



Amazon find

Without Sin (An Owen Day Thriller)
Rachel Ford



Facebook link

Gunner: A Fated Mates Paranormal Romance (Wolf Elite Shifters Romance Book 1)
Sedona Venez



8/24/22 Link notice from Author

The Shadow of a Ruthless Criminal: A Historical Western Adventure Book
Henry McConley



Amazon find

The Origins: A Scottish Medieval Romance (Crown & Crosses)
Violet Malvik

Seven titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 28, 2022 - Think and Practice Good Things

Our Sunday School lesson was focused on the wrath in Bowl 7, the destruction of Babylon – a world system. Revelation 16:17. We discussed the policies that are being sought that set parents against children and may give the schools the power to turn the parents in as abusers if they don’t support a child in gender transformation issues.

In all of this, the enemy is Satan seeking to deny and defy God. We see the enemy infiltration (and indoctrination) in government, politics, education, economics, health care, the entertainment industry, and social media. Christ followers may be saddened, and we may long for leaders who will make a change in our upside down, world. We cannot overcome God’s plan to handle this as He will. But we can pray, we can share the Good News of a future hope with others, we need to be in the Word of God so we are not deceived. The church needs to take a stand in prayer, in spiritual warfare, in peaceful example, and in resisting evil and deception.

Our church service started off with worship and then Child Dedication from an infant to teens. This represents a commitment by parents to raise their children under God’s truths and a commitment of the church to support the family.

Pastor continued his message on Spiritual Warfare from 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 and Ephesians 6:12. we struggle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers.

Satan attacks the minds of men. The enemy went after Jesus’ thoughts even as Satan goes after us. Matthew 4:1-11. Did God really say? Do you doubt? Jesus resisted each time with “It is written…” This comes from being in the Word, knowing the Word, and having it available to resist the temptations of the enemy.

We must know when we are in the midst of the battle, that God’s grace is enough.
Christ followers need to be aware of deceiving spirits. 1 Timothy 4. We are to study the word to divine the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Enemy retreats toa more opportune time but he does not go away. We must always be ready. The battle is not “one and done”. Christ followers need to be filled with the Word.

Evil takes possession of our minds if we let it. Matthew 12:43-45. There is a “Law of Vacuum” that says an empty space will fills back up. We need to be careful what it fills with. There are times we need to empty spaces of the old and useless to be ready to open to the fresh and useful.

How can we be ready with good things of God? We need to apply the directive of Paul in Philippians 4:7-9: think and practice good things.
You can have the God of peace during war.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. Romans 12:2.
‘Bless the Lord and forget not His benefits’. Psalm 103 :1-5.

We are intended to be more than believers but disciples. We are meant to be disciples who learn and exercise discipline. Being disciplined doesn’t happen by thinking. We must act, practice, and exercise the right and good things.
The enemy will be whispering to you. Thank God for your current blessings and be ready. The Old Testament is full of stories of monuments that were built to remind the Israelites of what God has done. We must be ready to remember what God has done for us and what he will do again.

Faith comes by hearing, (think of ads saturation). Hearing comes by the word. Romans 10:17.
Our minds need to be ingrained, (indoctrinated) with God’s Word. We must meditate on God's Words daily!
Give yourself affirmations. The Lord will raise up a standard, spiritual weapons against the enemy. Recognize that God is with you… through all.

Daily prayer
Daily affirmations
Daily thanksgiving
The Apostle's Creed

The raging battle for our thoughts starts within each of us.

I like this song video today: “No Other Love”

Verses for Today:
Philippians 4:7-9 NIV
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.


Lord, be in Control in my life each day. Let me knot forget your Benefits!!

Audible Book Review: Wolves by D. J. Molles

I like this author and narrator. This story is a bit brutal and sad - but engaging.
Wolves
by D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 08-30-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
From the best-selling author of the Remaining series...
They took everything - killed his wife, enslaved his daughter, destroyed his life. Now he's a man with nothing left to lose...and that's what makes him so dangerous.
Ten years after the collapse, Huxley has built a good life again. He has a loving wife, a farm with fields of golden barley, and a daughter with a strange and wonderful gift. Then the slavers come. Working out in the fields during the attack, Huxley returns too late. His daughter has been taken, and his wife is bleeding out, her last whispered words about a man with a scorpion tattoo on his neck.
Where do the slavers go? Huxley has no idea. He knows only that they head east, and so will he, setting out on foot across the desert of the Wastelands. Eighteen months into his journey, he has no hope of ever seeing his daughter alive. Dying of thirst in the open desert, he doesn't even expect to see another day.
Then a man appears out of the desert and offers Huxley water from his canteen, an unheard of kindness in these savage times. Jay is an odd man, full of violence and guided by his hatred of the slavers, but he helps Huxley survive. And he gives Huxley a new purpose: Nothing can bring back the dead, but the two men can chase down the slavers and make them bleed.
Together Huxley and Jay carve a path of destruction across the remains of a once-great land. The slavers are brutal, but they have no idea what's coming for them. Huxley has found something to live for again: blood and vengeance.
In his most powerful work yet, New York Times best-selling author D. J. Molles delivers a carefully woven novel of violence and redemption, bringing to life a devastating portrait of a man pushed to the edge of his own humanity.
©2015 D. J. Molles (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Huxley, his wife and daughter survived the collapse and got out of the city to set up a modest farm in the country. Ten years later he is working when Slavers arrive in his community. They take his daughter and kill his wife. Huxley sets out to find the slaver with a scorpion tattoo. Eighteen months later Huxley is about to die in the Wasteland dessert. But another man, Jay, offers him water and proposes a purpose to live.

Jay is clearly set on vengeance against those who took all from him. The men agree to follow the slavers east to a place of “blood and death”. Jay convinces Huxley to take a “no-holds barred” attitude to his ‘mission’. To be successful in their goals, they need to get weapons and supplies. So begins a journey of violence.

Along the way a mixed group of men and women join the two men, some seeking their own revenge and others for their own private reasons. The path becomes very brutal and more dangerous as it becomes clear that there is authority behind that slavers that has the real power. Huxley worries that if he finds his young daughter, she will not recognize the killer he has become.

This story is full of brutality and sadness. It is well written and includes some internal thought struggles for Huxley. I liked his daughter’s unique talent, and I did sense for most of the book that Huxley hoped to find his daughter as well as hoping to have the opportunity to kill the slaver who took his family.

I have now read/listened to Molles’ series Remaining followed by the Lee Harden series. I was interested to see if this standalone would feel like the other books. There is some of the same violence and internal debating, but this seemed darker and more disturbing. The world of the Wasteland and the surviving cities is not pretty, and I admit that I could have used a little shorter time in this dark world. I am likely to continue to read the books by this author. I recommend this as an engaging story to readers of post-apocalyptic.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a wonderful job with the dark nature of the story. He is able to provide distinct character voices and energy. I have found that Rummel’s performance will contribute to my enjoyment of the story he narrates.

Source 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian

I like friendly gargoyles and enjoyed this paranormal.

The Accidental Alchemist
By: Gigi Pandian
Narrated by: Julia Motyka

Series: Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 01-08-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
From USA Today best-selling author Gigi Pandian comes a modern tale of ancient intrigue.
Unpacking her belongings in her new hometown of Portland, Oregon, herbalist and reformed alchemist Zoe Faust can't help but notice she's picked up a stowaway. Dorian Robert-Houdin is a living, breathing three-and-half-foot gargoyle - not to mention a master of French cuisine - and he needs Zoe's expertise to decipher a centuries-old text. Zoe, who's trying to put her old life behind her, isn't so sure she wants to reopen her alchemical past... until the dead man on her porch leaves her no choice.
Includes recipes!
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2015 Gigi Pandian (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Zoe is an herbalist and a 'former' alchemist. While unpacking from her move to a deteriorating house in Portland, she is surprised to discover a box with a gargoyle statute. She is more surprised when she realizes the gargoyle is breathing and not a statute at all. Dorian explains that he was brought to life by an alchemist, and he needs an alchemist to help him read a centuries-old text and find a cure for his declining life. Although Zoe is a Vegan, Dorian is hungry and a master of French cuisine. He is willing to cook while she helps him with the deciphering.

Unfortunately, a local teen took a dare to inspect the “haunted house” and he saw Dorian moving and speaking. The local police officer, Detective Liu, is soon called in by the teen’s friends to ‘rescue’ him. Zoe and Dorian try to stress upon Brixton that he cannot tell anyone what he has seen. But of course, a 14-year-old just can’t resist telling his friends and then trying to get pictures to convince them.

Things get more involved when the contractor that Zoe hired is found dead on her doorsteps the next morning. Zoe puts herself in the line of suspects when she promptly tells Detective Liu that the man was poisoned. Zoe explains to Liu that her sense of smell is enhanced due to her plant alchemy and herbal skills but the authorities are skeptical.

I really enjoyed the characters of Zoe, Dorian and even the mysterious Detective Liu. Brixton, on the other hand, was annoying most of the book. The descriptions and prose are nicely done. I found the elements of plant alchemy very interesting. The murder plot is well laid out with a few red herrings. Foodies will enjoy the cooking descriptions. I will get more in the series and I recommend this to fans of cozy mystery and supernatural.

Audio Notes: Julia Motyka does a very nice job with the narration. I felt she captured the emotions and tones of the characters. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: February 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 26, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
I still have some GC emails and payments to complete and books to pull for mailing soon.

Books won't get mailed for a couple of weeks because they got boxed while I was on vacation and the office AC started pouring in my office.
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 August 19, 2022 Pick. There was no automatic win this past week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS to one winner (only 5 entries):
Random.org picked Winner from August 19, 2022 Pick:
FREDAMANS 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.}

Most of the kids are back to school now. Did the books miss them?
Image found by Upton Hall shown at Softlink.

New Book Box #96 June 10, 2022

PAIR:
Liz Carlyle: Three Little Secrets and My False Heart
Johanna Lindsey: Brave the Wild Wind and Fires of Winter
SINGLE TITLES
Against the Sky by Kat Martin
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

The Eagle and the Dove by Jane Feather
Heir to a Dark Inheritance by Maisey Yates
The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour
A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli
Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie
No Greater Treasure by Ellen Kelley
One Minute Out by Mark Greaney
Texas Born by Diana Palmer
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Illustrated Classic Edition)
While Others Sleep by Helen R. Myers


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
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


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

Three One Audio CD Books:
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale

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

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
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


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

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence


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:
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek


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

SINGLES:
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
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
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
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:
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.

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
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
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
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 1,404 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!

Audio Book Review: Elemental Thief by Rachel Morgan

I enjoyed the magic element but didn’t find this fantasy compelling me to the next book.
Elemental Thief
Written by Rachel Morgan
Narrated by Arielle Delisle

Series: Ridley Kayne Chronicles, Book 1
Run Time: 7hrs 46
Release date: 02-05-19
Publisher: Rachel Morgan
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
She’s a thief with forbidden magic. He’s the guy she just stole from. Now they’ll have to work together.
In a city where magic is outlawed, teenage thief Ridley uses her special powers to steal from the rich and give to those in need—until the night someone follows her home after a heist and ends up murdered outside her apartment. When her best friend is accused of the crime, Ridley is determined to prove his innocence.
But things get messy when the artifact Ridley stole turns out to contain secrets that could endanger many lives. Forced to team up with wealthy Archer—the guy she stole from—Ridley must hunt down the artifact before it winds up in deadly hands.
Which means following a trail into the hidden parts of the city …
… and hopefully not winding up dead.

Review:
Ridley knows that it is dangerous to use her magic skills, but she justifies it by ‘doing good’ – stealing from the rich to help the poor. Her latest assignment has her taking a particular statute from a rich family that she happens to know. She thinks she has completed her heist undetected but then she realizes someone is following her. She does some twists and turns to get home to her father and their antique shop. From her window she spots her pursuer in the alley but then witnesses his murder.

Initially, Archer, the rich young man she stole from, is accused and Ridley knows that he will wiggle out of the charges. She is surprised when Archer coerces her to help prove his innocence. They are both after the rich mayor’s son who is apparently willing to use magic for personal gain.

Ridley and Archer have an interesting childhood connection and they are both hiding secrets. I enjoyed how their relationship changed as they worked against each other and finally together. I also enjoyed their journey through a hidden community where Ridley had to use her unique magic skills.

There are interesting twists, good action, and pacing but the book does end with a cliffhanger and lots of unresolved issues. As I note these things I liked, I can’t pinpoint why the completion left me with an “okay” feeling rather than a “must read on” inclination. Ridley is a little immature in her behaviors which makes the character less engaging and Archer’s “Trust me, but I can’t tell you why” got to be a tiring refrain. These, plus the disappointment at the end may have caused my reaction. I still would recommend this to readers who enjoy paranormal fantasies, and I would recommend the Complete collection with all three books.

Audio Notes: Arielle Delisle provides a fitting narration. Her voice sounds like a young, emotionally struggling heroine. The male voices aren’t strong, but they are sufficiently distinct.

Source: 10/10/19 Chirp $.99 purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 21, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 22 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.

The leak was fixed by the AC men clearing the drain pan that was overflowing from the roof leak. I was going to move back to my desk but everyone said no since we have to move to the rebuilt office next week. YAY!

Most everything is done at the rebuilt office except for the plumbing that is needed. Very important!!

This weekend has been a drag as I started sneezing on Friday afternoon and came home with a sore throat. Saturday morning I woke up with no energy and laid around bundled in a blanket because I was chilled. Heather dropped off a thermometer and Covid tests. I did have a fever and my test was positive. :-(    Everyone else in the office tested negative. Today I had a little more energy and only low fever. At least my taste has remained good.
So it looks like I will be working from home this week. *Sigh*

This is a picture of what greeted me at the front walk when I arrived home.

Caterpillar webs have a special meaning to me as they were one of the first things I saw when I got glasses at age 6.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

Our temps are still running mid 80s to 90s with regular showers.

I enjoyed my audios -- just two.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out today: BONNIE READS and WRITES. Bonnie does "reviews for Historical Novels Review Magazine, Netgalley, BookSirens, and by request from authors and publishers." She loves to support Indie authors and has a "Self-Published Saturday feature". Check out her blog and reviews.

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

These were the posts over the past two weeks:

• Sunday Post August 14, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 15, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Breaking by Daniel Greene; Genre: Horror, Military, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 19, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/25/2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy; Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: What's Left of My World by C.A. Rudolph; Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #449 Comment Giveaway August 20, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/17/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 21, 2022 - Spiritual Warfare.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Marked in Flesh
A Novel of the Others, Book 4
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
This is another engaging story in the series.
Source: 8/14/2021 July Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within
By: Mark Hitchcock , Jeff Kinley
Narrated by: Paul Christy
Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
I liked this although I am not sure that I heard too much that is new. One or two succint phrases I'll have to pull out.
Source: August 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Chirp App Smartphone (ATBR)

The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson
Run Time 10h 9min
I have been eyeing this historical romance series. I had the impression it was mystery but haven't found much mystery in 5 hours. It is definitely Christian fiction and I'm enjoying it.
Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp $2.99.
Publisher Description
It’s 1927, and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow. But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.
When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
This is a longer book so I figure that is good since I have a back stack of reviews to complete and post.
Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The philosopher asks: "Faced with the mutually exclusive choice between moral principle and the survival of your family, which is the correct path?"
Philosophers love to pose such questions, and in the day-to-day struggle, such thinkers rarely attain to a level of relevance rivaling that of the simple hunger pang. Their careful considerations dissipate under the leveled gun.
We do not feel their disapproving gaze when The Others draw near.
When the world sends doom, the survivors do not hesitate.
The survivors do what is necessary.
©2018 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio (P)2019 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio

August 21, 2022 - I am on track and continue to enjoy the informative videos in The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read the pieces each day.
No new study this week.

I still have 6 books to review plus 7 children's books. I will have to push to catch up.

NETGALLEY STATUS-- NO CHANGE
My NG shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(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 or NetGalley titles this week.
I selected my free VIP credit title at Audiobooks.com.
Two free Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

August 2022 VIP Audiobooks.com.

Nowhere to Run
Author C. J. Box
Narrator: David Chandler
Duration: 10 h 17 min


8/17/2022 - I was looking for something else and this came up.

The Lonely Island The Refuge of the Mutineers
by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

8/21/22 The cover and blurb caught my eye. Reminded me of Sookie Stackhouse.

DEAD EYE: Tiger's Eye Mysteries
by Alyssa Day

Two titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.