Audible Book Review: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

This is an enjoyable romance with supernatural characters and mystery.
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
By: Nancy Campbell Allen
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Series: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 08-02-16
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Paranormal, Steampunk, Victorian Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Like the classic Beauty and the Beast, this steampunk romance features an unlikely love story.
The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon.
Lucy, a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist, travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles' younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcome respite from her work and recent discovery of a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London. But Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor.
Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles' sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths. And who is the ghost that haunt the halls?
Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister - as well as her cousin's mysterious illness - are tied together, but how? Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely. During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted to the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face. With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the manor.
But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man - beast and all.
Includes bonus novella, Marie's Story.
©2016 Nancy Campbell Allen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Lucy is busy with her scientific and botanist tasks. She recently discovered an anti-vampire serum and wants to continue the work on this project. But she is quick to rush to her cousin’s side when she hears that Kate is ill. Kate recently married Jonathan, a younger brother to the dark Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles. Lucy doesn’t know much about the family but there are rumors that the Lord’s may have been involved in the death of his new wife and his sister shortly after.

Miles is plagued by a family curse that is a closely held secret. He goes to his family’s hunting lodge every month at the full moon – and that is only one of his secrets. He is distressed by the unsolved murder of his wife and the brutal killing of his sister. Miles doesn’t like having strangers around and although he appreciates that Lucy wants to help her cousin, he is not so thrilled to have her snooping around. He also isn’t happy to have his aunt, Lady Charlesworth, and her adult children, Arthur and Candice, swooping in for extended visits whenever they want.

Lucy is sure Miles is hiding something but doesn’t think he is guilty of the murders in his household. Lucy soon believes that Kate is being poisoned. She also suspects that the household robotic servants are being used in the plot. Can she get enough evidence to convince the reclusive Miles to listen to her and take action before it’s too late?

I really liked the complex characters of Lucy and Miles. There is a reluctant attraction that develops slowly as they learn about and begin to trust each other. There is a lovely dance scene that changes the dynamic between them. Miles has some strong friends who are willing to stand with him, including Lucy’s brother. Several of these characters appear in the rest of the series. I enjoyed reading book 3, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, and I just got the other books from Audible Plus. I like the mix of mystery, steampunk, shifter, and Victorian romance. I recommend this to fans of these genres.

Audio Notes: Saskia Maarleveld does a lovely job with the narration. I liked the accent and the pacing of the delivery. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: May 17, 2021 free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post November 27, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 28 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 felt good earlier this week but didn't get done all I would have liked.
I did a little cooking  - sloppy joe again since I had left over rolls and meat in the freezer.

I did enjoy Thanksgiving lunch at Cracker Barrel with Heather and her crew. Here is a family picture.

My prayers include prayers for more unity in our nation. And a sense of reverence as we enter this special season of love.

Our temps have been okay this past week.  Temps this coming week look nice at low of 39 to high of 76 with rain in the middle of the week.

This week I enjoyed three more audios. I posted three reviews and my regular Memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to PINKADOT PAGES. Angie does video game reviews as well as book reviews. Check out her cute blog!

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 last week:

• Sunday Post November 20, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 2022.

• MBS October 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Space Knight by Michael-Scott Earle; Genre: Fantasy, LitRpg, Magic, Sci Fi, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Happy Thanksgiving 2022.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick November 25, 2022 Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/1/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations; Genre: Christmas, Collection, Historical, Inspirational, Religious, Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Murder in Her Stocking by G. A. McKevett; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 27, 2022 -Hope in Heaven!
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
This was a little disturbing and a good fit for my Vintage Sci Fi read for the year.
Source: 7/10/19 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Forward
Stories of Tomorrow
By: Veronica Roth, Blake Crouch, N. K. Jemisin, Amor Towles, Paul Tremblay, Andy Weir
Narrated by: Evan Rachel Wood, Rosa Salazar, Jason Isaacs, David Harbour, Steven Strait, Janina Gavankar
Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
I listened to this on and off for a month when other audios wouldn't play in the car.
These are all good sci fis.
Source: 3/14/2020 Audible Deal $2.95
Publisher's Summary
For some, it’s the end of the world. For others, it’s just the beginning. With brilliant imagination, today’s most visionary writers point to the future in a collection curated by bestselling author Blake Crouch. These stories range from darkly comic to deeply chilling, but they all look forward. Featuring stories by Andy Weir, Amor Towles, Veronica Roth, N. K. Jemisin, Paul Tremblay, and Blake Crouch; with narration by Evan Rachel Wood, David Harbour, Jason Isaacs, Rosa Salazar, Steven Strait, and Janina Gavankar.

ARK, by Veronica Roth, read by Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld)
On the eve of Earth’s destruction, a young scientist discovers something too precious to lose, in a story of cataclysm and hope by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent trilogy.
It’s only two weeks before an asteroid turns home to dust. Though most of Earth has already been evacuated, it’s Samantha’s job to catalog plant samples for the survivors’ unknowable journey beyond. Preparing to stay behind and watch the world end, she makes a final human connection.

SUMMER FROST, by Blake Crouch, read by Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel)
A video game developer becomes obsessed with a willful character in her new project, in a mind-bending exploration of what it means to be human by the New York Times bestselling author of Recursion.
Maxine was made to do one thing: die. Except the minor non-player character in the world Riley is building makes her own impossible decision - veering wildly off course and exploring the boundaries of the map. Soon Riley has all new plans for her spontaneous AI, including bringing Max into the real world. But what if Max has real-world plans of her own?

EMERGENCY SKIN, by N. K. Jemisin, read by Jason Isaacs (Star Trek: Discovery)
What will become of our self-destructed planet? The answer shatters all expectations in this subversive speculation from the Hugo Award-winning author of the Broken Earth trilogy.
An explorer returns to gather information from a climate-ravaged Earth that his ancestors, and others among the planet’s finest, fled centuries ago. The mission comes with a warning: a graveyard world awaits him. But so do those left behind - hopeless and unbeautiful wastes of humanity who should have died out ages ago. Get in. Get out. And try not to stare.

YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION, by Amor Towles, read by David Harbour (Stranger Things)
Nature or nurture? Neither. Discover a bold new way to raise a child in this unsettling story of the near future by the New York Times bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow.
When Sam’s wife first tells him about Vitek, a twenty-first-century fertility lab, he sees it as the natural next step in trying to help their future child get a “leg up” in a competitive world. But the more Sam considers the lives that his child could lead, the more he begins to question the choices he has made in his life.

THE LAST CONVERSATION, by Paul Tremblay, read by Steven Strait (The Expanse)
What’s more frightening: Not knowing who you are? Or finding out? A Bram Stoker Award-winning author explores the answer in a chilling story about human consciousness.

Imagine you’ve woken up in an unfamiliar room with no memory of who you are, how you got there, or where you were before. All you have is the disconnected voice of an attentive caretaker. Dr. Kuhn is there to help you - physically, emotionally, and psychologically. She’ll make sure you reclaim your lost identity. Now answer one question: Are you sure you want to?

RANDOMIZE, by Andy Weir, read by Janina Gavankar (True Blood)
In the near future, if Vegas games are ingeniously scam-proof, then the heists have to be too, in this imaginative and whip-smart story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.
An IT whiz at the Babylon Casino is enlisted to upgrade security for the game of keno and its random-number generator. The new quantum computer system is foolproof. But someone on the inside is no fool. For once the odds may not favor the house.
©2019 Ark © 2019 by Veronica Roth. Summer Frost © 2019 by Blake Crouch. Emergency Skin © 2019 by N. K. Jemisin. You Have Arrived at Your Destination © 2019 by Amor Towles. The Last Conversation © 2019 by Paul Tremblay. Randomize © 2019 by Andy Weir. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19
This is a story of grief and love.
Source: 11/25/19 Free Audible Originals.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

The Cowboys of Copper Mountain: A Christmas Collection
By: Katherine Garbera, Jane Porter, Melissa McClone
Narrated by: Loretta Rawlins
Series: Copper Mountain Christmas, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
I have enjoyed two of these and actually slowed down to enjoy the rest.
Source: 11/7/22 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Three novellas and an unforgettable short story, now available together in one festive package!
"A Cowboy for Christmas" by Katherine Garbera. Annie Prudhomme never expected to be back in Marietta, Montana, and her family is fond of reminding her that she left them and the town behind in search of better things. A humiliating divorce that cost her everything she'd gained has driven her back home, and her family isn't about to welcome her back into the fold. She's in town to rebuild the old home that she inherited and to move on once again.
"Christmas at Copper Mountain" by Jane Porter. Since the loss of her family in a plane crash, Harley Diekerhoff has led a quiet life and keeps to herself. Taking the temporary job at the Copper Mountain Ranch as widower Brock Sheenan's housekeeper seems perfect for her. But her calm cocoon is invaded with the arrival of Brock's preteen twins, Mack and Molly, who've never experienced a proper Christmas, and before she knows it Harley's determined to make their holiday perfect.
"Home for Christmas" by Melissa McClone. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rachel Murphy loves the scent of gingerbread baking almost as much as she enjoys creating custom edible houses at Christmastime. But she needs a bigger kitchen if she wants to make the most of her impromptu holiday business. Enter Nate Vaughn, handsome venture capitalist turned Montana dude ranch owner - and her brother's boss.
"Mistletoe Magic" by Melissa McClone. Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin. Until a stray kitten brings her face to face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin's heart and brings back long-forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house, lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won't be spending this Christmas...alone.
©2013 Home For Christmas 2013 Melissa McClone. Christmas at Copper Mountain 2013 Jane Porter. (P)2015 Audible Inc.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Venus Plus X
By: Theodore Sturgeon
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins
I picked this for a "V" title. It sounds interesting to me.
Source: 12/2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Charlie Johns has been snatched from his home and delivered to the future world of Ledom, where violence is a vague, improbable notion and technology has triumphed over hunger, overpopulation, pollution, and even time and space. But there is a change Charlie finds even more shocking: gender is a thing of the past. This is a civilization in which tensions between male and female and the human preoccupation with sex no longer exist.
Charlie finds that the human precepts he holds dear are profane in this new world. But has Charlie learned all there is to know about this advanced society? And why are the Ledom people so intent on gaining Charlie's approval?
Unsettling, compelling, and no less than visionary, Venus Plus X is Theodore Sturgeon's brilliant, original, and insightful speculation on gender and civilization.
©1988 The Theodore Sturgeon Literary Trust (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I very likely will listen to a nonfiction next but I haven't chosen which one.

November 27, 2022 - I am continuing up to date and love that I learn new things each time I read/listen to the scriptures. I get excited watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.
No new study this past week.

I read three audio titles and reviewed three. So I still have 5 books to review (plus 7 children's books). I keep working on these. :-)

NETGALLEY STATUS--
Back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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 titles this week.
I hadn't picked up any books until I saw the Black Friday Sale at Audible. I've started with 5 that total $6.95.
One free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/27/2022 Five titles on sale at Audible – two series I like and three series to try. Total $6.95; all $.99 except Ghost Hunter Next Door which was $2.99.

Exit Strategy
By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

Christmas at The Grange
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
Length: 2 hrs and 5 mins

Long Road to Survival
The Prepper Series, Book 1
By: Lee Bradford, William H. Weber
Narrated by: Johnny Heller
Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins

The Ghost Hunter Next Door
Beechwood Harbor Ghost Mysteries, Book 1
By: Danielle Garrett
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

River of Teeth
River of Teeth Series, Book 1
By: Sarah Gailey
Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
Length: 4 hrs and 1 min

Free

11/23/2022

Trial by Sorcery: A Young Adult Fantasy Adventure (Dragon Riders of Osnen Book 1)
by Richard Fierce


One new title 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 November 27, 2022 - Hope in Heaven!

Our Sunday School teacher is wrapping up the study in Revelation. Today he taught on the Great White Throne Judgment of non-believers (Revelation 20:11-15) and the Bema Judgment of believers (Romans 14:10-12). Each is based on works, but one leads to punishment, the other leads to rewards.

Our church service opened with baptism of 8 young people from 18 to 6. It was lovely as parents participated in the brief ‘dunking’.

We also had a personal testimony of hope shared for the first candle of Advent which signifies Hope and prophecy of God’s promise. This was followed by Pastor’s sermon on “A Hope laid up in heaven”. Colossians 1:3-5.

Give thanks...and pray. Sometimes it seems that all people can do is complain. We need to be aware that we can overcome complaints by giving thanks for good things and praying for the remaining needs or concerns.  In the Bible text, Paul tells the Colossians “…we have heard of your faith … and of the love you have….” Paul told the believers in Corinth to remember: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

We are to be counter culture to the negativism and critical nature of the world. Paul encourages believers to recognize their faith as an anchor that holds us fast to Jesus Christ. Our faith leads to good deeds, because faith without works is dead. Paul reminds us that the men and women of the Old Testament were commended for their faith. Hebrews 11.

How we love others is a proof of our salvation. Do we love unconditionally as God does? God set the example of hating the sin but loving the sinner. We should love each other unconditionally, even loving those with issues. This shows the Spirit of God working through us.

Why did Paul give thanks and pray for the Colossians? “Because he heard of their faith and love that spring from the hope stored up in heaven…”

God is good all the time. Believers tend to be happy in anticipation of hope to come, even when we are in times of trouble. Romans 5:1-5. We have hope in eternal promises. Put your hope in God. Psalm 43:5. We can have confidence that every promise of God will come true.

If we lose hope, then we lose love. But we have hope there is more. Guard your hope. If we do not have eternal hope, then we are miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19.
Hope is eternal. Abraham had hope against hope. Romans 4:18. Job, in the midst of his sorrow, still said: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:20-22.

Stay faithful and hold tight the hope of God’s promises.

I found this song which is perfect for Advent and Hope! There’s Hope for Everyone.

Verses for Today:
Colossians 1:3-5 NIV
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel…

I thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing Hope for everyone!

Audio Book Review: Murder in Her Stocking by G. A. McKevett

This cozy mystery wasn't a hit for me. (I love the cover though.)

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson

A Granny Reid Mystery
Run Time 9h 36min
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christmas, Cozy, Mystery, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.25.

Publisher Description
Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can’t keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side.
This season, there are plenty. First, an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit’s identity, and it turns out that Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list. Soon, suspects are piling up like presents on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the future of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th....

Review:
Stella is a disciplinarian but sweet grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She can be considered pretty fierce by others especially if she is protecting those grandchildren. One night Stella hears a sound in the alley behind the tavern and she arrives in time to hold Prissy Carr as she is dying from an attack. Prissy is a known ‘loose woman’, so she has developed some enemies along the way. The police are investigating but Stella thinks she might be able to uncover the real culprit before Christmas.

Meanwhile Stella is trying to cheer her long-time friend whose husband has left taking all the wealth. Also, Stella is trying to keep her grandchildren from being damaged by their alcoholic mother. The eldest granddaughter, twelve-year-old Savannah, does her best to handle the others but it isn’t easy.

The story is set in the 1980s in Georgia. Stella is a widow in her 60s. The sheriff in town has had a long-time crush on her. It’s been several years since her husband died and maybe its time to accept the help of a willing man.

The story is sweet but has a dreary feel with the level of poverty and struggles for Stella and her family. There are less than likeable characters with cigarettes and booze and perhaps that influenced my view. There is warmth in the grandmotherly wisdom and the strength of the sheriff. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery was disjointed as it shared the spotlight with Stella’s family traumas. There are plenty of favorable reviews so cozy fans might want to try this. I understand it is a spin off from another popular series by this author.

Audio Notes: My lower review may also be the result of my being uncomfortable with the narrator. It may be that Mil Nicholson was a fitting voice for the setting and characters. It just wasn’t comfortable for me. In this instance, the narration detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/2021 Purchased at Chirp for $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations

This collection is Delightful!
The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations
Written By: Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade, Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Pilar Witherspoon, Liz Pearce, Stephanie Cozart, Emily Pike Stewart

Duration: 12 hours 53 minutes
Release date: 10-04-18
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christmas, Collection, Historical, Inspirational, Religious, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Summary
In Kristi Ann Hunter's 'Legacy of Love,' Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station. In Karen Witemeyer's 'Gift of the Heart,' widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love. In Sarah Loudin Thomas's 'A Shot at Love,' Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance. In Becky Wade's 'Because of You,' Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Review:
There are four lovely stories here that celebrate love at Christmas time. The stories are connected by a family brooch that was given originally by a man to show his love for his wife.

The first story, Legacy of Love, is set in 1827, Lancashire, England. When the giver of the brooch died, the wife became the Dowager Countess of Densbury The arrogant wife of the eldest grandson had little use for the dowager’s lower class companion, Sarah. When the daughter-in-law took over the main home, she pushed the dowager and Sarah to a smaller property right before Christmas. The third son in the family was particularly close to his grandmother and took the time to visit as they prepared for the holiday. He shares time with Sarah as they take care of the ailing woman. As the grandmother prepares her last Christmas gifts for her staff, she gifts her precious, beloved brooch to Sarah.

In Gift of the Heart, widow Ruth Albright struggles to make a home for herself and her young daughter in 1890 Hope Springs, Texas. Ruth refuses to sell the family broach but instead she approaches her landlord, who owns the local resort and many other properties in town. She asks for a loan with the brooch as collateral. The wealthy businessman has a disability that has kept him set apart from most people. But this brave young woman isn’t fazed by his disability, and he finds great respect for Ruth and her adorable daughter.

Next, in A Shot at Love, the brooch is passed by an Aunt to her tomboy niece, Fleeta. Set in 1958 West Virginia, Fleeta thinks perhaps she can live a life on her own terms by opening a gun shop. She doesn’t plan to marry as she has never met a man who appreciates her independence and who interests her. Then she meets a fellow hunter visiting from the south and her heart changes.

Finally, in the 1980s, the brooch appears in Merryweather, Washington. In Because of You, Maggie has been in love with Leo since college days. But her best friend snagged him first and, even though he is a widow now with a young son, Maggie doesn’t feel she can betray her best friend. Maggie and Leo are assigned to work together for a church Christmas project. While pulling out family ornaments, she discovers a special family brooch. Can the special brooch help Maggie find love as it has the women of her past?

I think my favorites were the first two, but each story is delightful. I really enjoyed how the brooch played a part in each romance and how each romance culminated at Christmas. There is a very lowkey element of faith that added to my enjoyment. I recommend this to anyone needing and uplift of gentle romance at Christmas.

Audio Notes: The four narrators, Pilar Witherspoon, Liz Pearce, Stephanie Cozart, and Emily Pike Stewart, do a wonderful job on the presentation. The voices fit each story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of these stories.

Source: December 2020 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick November 25, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
I had a lovely, relaxing Thanksgiving day.
I still have some GC emails and payments to complete and books to pull for mailing soon. (Maybe with my extra day this weekend.)

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 November 18, 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 was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS to one winner (under 10 entries):
Random.org picked Winner from November 18, 2022 Pick:
#7 BN100 gets The Time Machine.

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.}

I'm planning on giving some books. How about you?
Image found at New England Independent Booksellers Association.

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 1,408 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, 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!

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

Happy Thanksgiving.
I am so BLESSED.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

Audible Book Review: Space Knight by Michael-Scott Earle

This Space Opera with LitRpg elements was entertaining enough.

Space Knight
By: Michael-Scott Earle
Narrated by Nick Podehl

 

Series: Space Knight, Book 1
Length 13h 11m
Published April 24, 2018
Publisher: Audible Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRpg, Magic, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

In a universe where technology and magic co-exist, Nicholas Lyons desires one thing: to serve his queen as a Space Knight in the Royal Trident Forces. But when his final mission as an Academy cadet goes horribly wrong, Nicholas discovers he possesses illegal magical abilities that grant him power far beyond that of a normal man, knight, or mage.
When a clandestine assignment lands Nicholas on the worst starship in the kingdom's fleet, he finds a motley crew of warriors hiding their own terrible secret. Death and betrayal lurk around every corner, and Nicholas finds himself torn between his loyalties to his new crew, or the oath he swore to his queen.
And death no matter which choice he makes.

Review:
Nicholas does not come from a rich or noble family, but he worked hard at academy in order to have a chance to serve his queen someday as a Space Knight. On the final class mission, the cadets are planet side and supposed to have a light encounter with aliens. Instead, they find themselves under attack by elite warrior aliens. No one knows what went wrong but when the mist settles, Nicholas has saved a rich nobleman’s son, and learned that he has an illegal magical ability.

Nicholas has the chance to pick an assignment on the best ship in the fleet. Then he opens a message from his deceased father, an unrecognized Space Knight, and has to change to what is scoffed as the worst starship, the Stalwart. Before he is reassigned, the nobleman directs Nicholas, in ‘the name of the queen’, to secretly spy on the motley crew.

As soon as he gets on the ship, he can tell there are secrets among the crew. And they are so much more than the rumors imply. He begins to make friends and appreciate the “motley” crew so his loyalties are being confused. What is really going on with the Stalwart? What will happen when the motley crew learn that Nick has been spying on them?

I found this entertaining even as it has flaws. It has coming of age, LitRpg, and superhero elements. The LitRpg is focused on all of the levels of tech, allocated to squire or space knights, and with different levels of boost and skill. I like the inclusion. The crew characters have some strange and unique skills from berserker to empowering music. There is awkward interaction with this protagonist and the several beautiful women on the crew. I like the magic but that too is odd since it is illegal but mostly no one seems to care. Instead, everyone wants to use the skill.

All in all, I enjoyed the entertainment aspect of the story. I would try the next in series, but they are not available. I recommend this to fans of space, fantasy, and action... if it becomes available.

Audio Notes: I like Nick Podehl as a narrator. He provides distinct voices for the characters and energy that fits the action. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10-13-18 Daily Deal $4.95 with $5.00 credit) $0.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

MBS October 2022 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2022 Reading List - OCTOBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars = Night Shift Witch, Dark of Night, A Skeleton in the Family, and The Warded Man.

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
2. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore; Genre: Occult, Satire, Supernatural; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Review: An Univited Ghost by E.J. Copperman; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
5. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Review: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Animals, Lawyer, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Ghostly Undertaking by Tonya Kappes; Genre: Ghost, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Werewolf's 15 Minutes by Jonathan Maberry; Genre:Fantasy, Horror, Werewolf; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
8. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Night Shift Witch by Cate Lawley; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghost, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.
9. A2022: Audible Book Review: Dark of Night, A Joe Ledger Novella, by Jonathan Maberry and Rachel Lavin; Genre: Action, Horror, Zombie; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
10. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers, Book 1 The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night by Angela Pepper; Genre: Cozy, Fantasy, Private Investigator, Supernatural; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
11. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
12. ATBR: Audio Book Review: What Lurks Beneath by Ryan Lockwood; Genre: Horror, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
13. ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett; Genre: Adventure, Epic, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Total read = 13
TBR = 11
New Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 13 (11 TBRs)
NetGalley = 1 (1 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0 (0 TBR)
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 118 of 125
(COMPLETE) TBR to Date: 91 of 90 total
(COMPLETE) Audio to Date: 106 of 100
(COMPLETE) NetGalley to Date: 14 of 10
Author Reviews: 3 of 12
Nonfiction: 9 of 12
(COMPLETE) TBR ebooks or Print: 12 of 12

• Series: 81 of 75 (30 continuing, 51 new)
• New to me Series: 51 (16 Yes to continue; 16 likely to continue, 16 maybe, 3 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 3

Special Goals
•(COMPLETE) Seasonal title: 4 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

• Alphabet letters covered: AUDIO SERIES: 4 Jan, 3 Feb, 7 March, 3 April, 4 May, 2 June, 0 July, 1 August, 1 September, 0 October (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Z) (24 of 26)   
Remaining: X, Y
• Alphabet letters covered: MIXED MEDIA (focus on stand alones but can be series): 2 Jan, 6 Feb, 3 March, 7 April, 3 May, 2 June; 1 July, 0 August, 0 September, 0 October (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, Y, Z) (24 of 26)
Remaining: V, X

Sunday Post November 20, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 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 still making progress at work but have plenty to do. We're looking forward to Thanksgiving.

I came home late during the week and I was cold so I didn't do much on the computer during the nights.

Last weekend I made my first sloppy joe meal by scratch from a recipe a friend shared. It was a nice flavor with some sweet peppers included.

Saturday I decided to stay at the house. Mid-day I made asparagus, beef (my hamburgers fell apart), and asparagus soup. (This cup has Parmesan cheese melted on top.)

Sunday I agreed last minute to prepare mashed potatoes for church dinner. I found a recipe that included cream cheese so they weren't just box potatoes. They taste pretty good.

(I forgot to take a picture when it was full.)

My prayers include prayers for more unity in our nation. And a sense of Gratitude for our many, many blessings.


My downstairs AC has not been working but I tried the heat Saturday and was glad that it worked. I'm not sure we got as low as 31, but it did get close. The low this coming week is only 36. Day time temps in the 60s will still have me wearing sweaters and jackets. 

This week I enjoyed three more audios. I posted two reviews and my regular Memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to A NOVEL START. Amy is returning to book blogging so stop by and give her a welcome!

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 last week:

• Sunday Post November 13, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 14, 2022.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick November 18, 2022 Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/24/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: White Wasteland by Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross; Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #452 Comment Giveaway November 19, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/17/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 20, 2022 -The Most High!
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Last Stand: The Complete Box Set
By: William Weber
Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
Series: Last Stand (Weber), Book 1-4
Length: 24 hrs and 50 mins
I went deep in my TBR and chose this post-apocalyptic.
I finished book 2 this week. I haven't figured out how to put this on Goodreads. I may have to finish 3 and 4 before the year's end to take full credit.
Source: 11/3/17 Audible Purchase for $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson
Run Time 9h 36min
This is an easy listen, cozy mystery.
Source: 12/16/2021 Purchased at Chirp for $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
By: Nancy Campbell Allen
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
Series: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
This is an enjoyable romance with supernatural characters and mystery.
Source: May 17, 2021 free from Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Like the classic Beauty and the Beast, this steampunk romance features an unlikely love story.
The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon.
Lucy, a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist, travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles' younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcome respite from her work and recent discovery of a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London. But Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor.
Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles' sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths. And who is the ghost that haunt the halls?
Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister - as well as her cousin's mysterious illness - are tied together, but how? Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely. During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted to the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face. With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the manor.
But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man - beast and all.
Includes bonus novella, Marie's Story.
©2016 Nancy Campbell Allen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
I thought this might be relevant to current events.
Also, it is my Vintage Sci Fi read for the year.
Source: 7/10/19 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Publisher Description
First published in 1935, when Americans were still largely oblivious to the rise of Hitler in Europe, this prescient novel tells a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and offers an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.
Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor, is dismayed to find that many of the people he knows support presidential candidate Berzelius Windrip. The suspiciously fascist Windrip is offering to save the nation from sex, crime, welfare cheats, and a liberal press. But after Windrip wins the election, dissent soon becomes dangerous for Jessup. Windrip forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns the United States into a totalitarian state.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19
I've been trying to pick longer books but this one covers a) Thanks, b) a "Y" title, and c) several years on the TBR.
Source: 11/25/19 Free Audible Originals.
About This Audible Original
A short and sweet audio novella that’ll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie’s happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she’s gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn’t show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family’s love can endure anything.
©2019 Kelly Harms (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

November 20, 2022 - I am continuing up to date and love that I learn new things each time I read/listen to the scriptures. I get excited watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.
No new study this past week.

I read three audio titles and reviewed two. Now I have 5 books (plus 7 children's books). I keep working on these. :-)

NETGALLEY STATUS--
Back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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 titles this week.
I selected audios for my two October Audible Credits.
I purchased four audios at Chirp for under $7.
No free Kindle titles again this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/16/22 Two October Audible Credits (author series I want to continue):

Hell's March
Artillerymen, Book 2
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
Length: 22 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 09-27-22

Armageddon
Expeditionary Force, Book 8
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 11-05-19


11/19/22 Purchased 4 audios at Chirp for under $7.00.

Ten Feet Tall
Written by Wayne D. Overholser
Narrated by Ramiz Monsef
Run Time 6h 22min
$16.95 $1.99

The Forgotten House on the Moor
Written by Jane Lovering
Narrated by Rose Robinson
Run Time 8h 8min
$20.99 $1.99

Pygmalion
Written by George Bernard Shaw
Narrated by Harriet Seed
Run Time 3h 19min
$9.99 $1.99

Wildburn
Written by John Stonehouse
Narrated by J. Rodney Turner
Run Time 3h 8min
$6.99 $0.99

Free

NONE

No new title added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.