Sunday Post April 30, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 1, 2023

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 week was full of work but controlled so there was limited tension. My new employee is learning well and being helpful.

We had a Woman's Club Orientation today that was fun.
I have some pictures coming up but none to post today.

My Bear dog got his summer hair cut this week and looks pretty comfy.

I am a little worried about Princess (my Rat Terrier) as she was very subdued today. I hope she will be better tomorrow or I'll be taking her to the vet.


My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.


I know others have had bad storms this week as we did. There was hail in Panama City Beach and heavy rains here at home. A bad tornado caused damage in a small town 45 miles SE of us.

I finished three audios this past week and posted two reviews and my memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to THE FANTASY PRINCESS. Jamie, like many of us, loves reading and talking about books.  Stop by and say hello!

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post April 23, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 24, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Renegades, Expeditionary Force, Book 7, by Craig Alanson; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Fifth Victim, The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1, by Beverly Barton; Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 30, 2023 - Holy Places.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (NG2023)

The Instructor
By T.R. Hendricks
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
Series: Derek Harrington, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
This has lots of action and intrigue.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Oracle
By: Andrew Pyper
Narrated by: Joshua Jackson
Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
I was looking for my next 'listen' and saw that this was only available until May 14.
The genre is shown as "supernatural" but I would definitely add "horror".
Source: 8/2/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Oracle is a psychological thriller audiobook following Nate Russo, an FBI psychic who helps solve abductions and homicides by touching those close to the missing persons. His unique gift comes with a terrible price: He sees the horrific moments before the victims disappeared. This high-stakes mystery, written by best-selling author Andrew Pyper and performed by Joshua Jackson, combines crime investigations with supernatural elements and killer instincts.
©2021 Andrew Pyper Enterprises, Inc. (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Silver Dollar Duke
Written by Sally Britton
Narrated by Marian Hussey
Run Time 9h 37min
I picked this for my "color" goal and because it sounded like a nice listen.

I enjoyed the story and gentle romance.
Source: 3/14/2022 Purchases from Chirp $1.99.
Publisher Description
The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she’s trying to save her family’s livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?
Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.
Daniella Bolton’s fiancé left when the drought of 1893 crippled the KB ranch, but that’s just fine by her. She doesn’t need a man to help her save her family’s land. Especially not an Englishman who looks down on her style of living, like Evan does. She loves her life on the ranch, and no outsider could ever understand what it means to be loyal to the land and her family’s way of life.
Being a cowboy is harder than Evan thought, but as he works to earn his place on the ranch, his heart opens up to the beauty of the desert… as well as that of Dannie Bolton. Watching Evan fight for the ranch she loves makes Dannie realize that not all men are afraid of hard work and troubled times, and loving Evan might be just the salve her wounded heart needs. But when Evan’s family summons him home right when Dannie needs him most, the feelings of betrayal from her former fiancé’s flight return tenfold.
Does Evan dare risk his tenuous relationship with Dannie to fulfill his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Get Up and Grow: 21 Habits of Successful People
By Duke Matlock
I will be finishing this by the end of this week.
I am still enjoying the learning process.
Source: March 2023 gift from Pastor.
Get Up and Grow is about developing habits that foster personal and professional growth in four critical areas: spirituality, success, health, and margin. In six chapters, Get Up and Grow will enable you to shift your paradigm and create a culture of growth and investment in your life. By utilizing your mornings as opportunities for development, Get Up and Grow will change the way you view success and will create the space to see exponential growth.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Snow Melts in Spring
By Deborah Vogts
Narrated By: Emily Durante
Duration: 8 h 19 min
It's time for my "Spring" title and this looks nice.
Source: 5/8/2021 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com.
Summary
She loves the land. Mattie Evans grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Although her family has lost their ranch, she still calls this land home. A skilled young veterinarian, she struggles to gain the confidence of the local ranchers. Fortunately, her best friend and staunchest supporter is John McCray, owner of the Lightning M Ranch. They both love the ranch, and can’t imagine living anywhere but in the Flint Hills. He’s haunted by it.Gil McCray, John’s estranged son, is a pro football player living in California. The ranch is where his mother died and where every aspect of the tallgrass prairie stirs unwanted memories of his older brother’s fatal accident. Gil decides leaving the ranch is the best solution for his ailing father and his own ailing heart. But he doesn’t count on falling in love.Falling in love isn’t an option. Or is it?When Mattie is called in to save a horse injured in a terrible accident, she finds herself unwillingly tossed into the middle of a family conflict. Secret pain, secret passions, and secret agendas play out against the beautiful landscapes as love leads to some unexpected conclusions about forgiveness and renewal.

 Again, I expect to get to a third book (an audio), which I will pick when I get there.

April 30, 2023 - I have really been enjoying the book of Isaiah. There are so many prophesies regarding Christ and acknowledgment of God's creation, power, and mercy. I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
I am reading the paperback (above) instead of an App study.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed two so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have one more audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No review titles and no wins last week.
I bought one Audible Daily Deal and picked out one Audio from Plus Catalog last week.
I got no free Kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/28/2023 Audible Daily Deal $1.99.

A Proposal They Can't Refuse
By: Natalie Caña
Narrated by: Valentina Ortiz
Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
This looks really cute.

Free

4/29/2023 Audible Plus Catalog.

Why They Marched
Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote
By: Susan Ware
Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne
Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
This interesting looking book was on special deal at Chirp but free at Audible Plus.

No new titles added to Kindle library. 
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 30, 2023 - Holy Places

We had a local guest minister for our Sunday School this morning. He shared some testimony as well as a Biblical lesson, The Importance of Having Faith in Jesus.

Our service started with lovely praise and worship and I was touched when our Pastor went to his knees during the worship time. His sermon, titled Holy Places, was based on Exodus 3:1-6.
When Moses saw the burning bush, he turned aside to “see this strange sight….”
God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him “the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

As a young man, Moses stepped in on his own to deliver a Hebrew slave, during which he killed the Egyptian overseer. Then Moses ran away into the wilderness, where he became his Father-in-law's shepherd.

The burning bush was a God moment for Moses. It is arguably a theophany or Christophany.
A theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. In its most restrictive sense, it is a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament period, often, but not always, in human form. Christophany is the manifestation of Christ.

In the Old Testament, there are frequent “theophanies” and “Christophanies.” The word theophany comes from the Greek word theos (meaning “God”) and the Greek verb meaning “to appear.” So a theophany is an appearance of God. And a Christophany is an appearance of Christ.

There can be a lot of life lived between God encounters. Even if we don’t have continuous God moments or encounters, He is still there. God shows up to change lives, not just to provide a good feeling. For example, Salvation is beyond what we feel. But it is a promise through knowledge and faith.

We need to be aware of God moments in our lives. Where these occur, there is a Holy Place. Sometimes we have tarried at the altar to see what God is doing.

It is a moment when we are not just a fan, but we know the place is Holy because God occupies the place. Often the God encounter is to change the direction of life. Jacob met and wrestled with God at El Bethel (a place of worship). Joseph had several God encounters to become the father of Israel. Job had heard of God, then personally encountered Him.

God moments are not just for you but to share with others. The encounter generally has to do with the future. We need to recognize when and where God speaks. God moments and Holy Places are also where our perspective of God changes. We are struck with awe and God reveals Himself.

God revealed Himself to Moses as the great “I am”, from which we get Yahweh, or Jehovah.
Pastor acknowledged that he sometimes lives his life ‘in high voice’. This is the result of zeal for God, a passion birthed out of a Holy place.

As a cautionary word, we must be careful not to be tempted to stay there. (Like Peter at the mount of transfiguration.)

If you want to stay, you are missing the message to go out with the mission. Holy Places are places of launching. The woman at the well goes into the city to tell others.

Holy Place encounters are for us to give the message to others. To mobilize and be a witness to influence those around us.
When God shows Himself mighty in the wilderness as fire and smoke, we are to go and bring others back. We are to lead others to see our awesome God.

I found this song which I think fits today! Evidence.

Verses for Today:
Exodus 3:1-6 NIV
Moses and the Burning Bush
3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
And Moses said, “Here I am.”
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.


Lord, help me to remember all the God Encounters of my past. Help me to be open to more. And help me to share them, to lead others to You.

Audible Book Review: The Fifth Victim, The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1, by Beverly Barton

I liked the occult element and the suspense (but not the amount of sex).

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 09-25-18
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Some things shouldn't be seen....
Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee. Deep in the Smoky Mountains, the victim lies, sacrificed on a makeshift altar - the gruesome work of a killer who has evaded the authorities in state after state. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well - just as he knows the killings won't stop until there are four more bodies.
Some warnings won't be heeded....
Genny Madoc's "sixth sense" has brought many of Cherokee Pointe's residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it's Genny who needs help from the disturbing visions she sees - images that are getting stronger and more violent day by day.
Some fears can't be stopped....
Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town's hidden secrets before a twisted killer can complete a sinister plan that will make one of them the fifth victim.
©2018 Beverly Barton (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
FBI agent Dallas Sloan is on the tail of a gruesome killer who kills in groups of five. Sloan knows because one of the groups included his young niece. The FBI could not find a connection, but Sloan is sure there is one. Sloan is not assigned to the case but will take every free time to investigate leads. This time the lead takes him to Cherokee Pointe, in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Genny Madox is an unusual and isolated young woman living in a cabin in the woods above the town. Genny provides herb remedies, learned from her grandmother, and occasional readings to members of the community. There are some who call Genny a witch, but those closest to her know she has a sixth sense and sees visions of events she doesn’t necessarily want to see. Now she has seen the brutal, sacrificial killing of a young girl and called her cousin the local Sheriff, telling him where to find the victim.

By the time Sloan arrives in town, they are locating the next victim. Sloan doesn’t believe in psychics, but he is drawn to Genny and soon finds himself trying to protect her from her own nightmares. As their relationship heats up, he finds himself protecting her when they realize she may be a target of the killer.

I liked the characters, the psychic element, and enjoyed the mystery. Unfortunately for me, the sexual content (some describe as ‘soft porn’) detracted from the rest of the story. I had a vague recollection from a prior Barton novel that I didn’t care for the level of sex and now that I have confirmed this I am less likely to read/listen to any more by this author even though I have two more in the series. That’s just my tastes. I would recommend this to fans of romantic suspense who don’t mind the graphic sexual element.

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin is a skilled narrator who I have enjoyed in several other series. She does provide distinct voices although I am not sure she was the best narrator for this book. I was startled by the reading of chapter numbers in a breathy voice that didn’t fit. This unexpected narrative feature did disrupt the flow of the story. Still, I am generally glad to listen to stories as they move faster for me.

Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.

Audible Book Review: Renegades, Expeditionary Force, Book 7, by Craig Alanson

I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles.
Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-26-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
Includes special bonus note from the author.
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Review:
The Flying Dutchman made it back to Earth to report their bizarre but successful missions that saved the world, temporarily. The crew also had to report to authorities that the enemy is headed to destroy Earth. As the ship is being worked on, the officers get heavy debriefing, and some of the crew gets much needed R and R. Skippy is creating a cult following among the humans but he is following the secretive government meetings too. It appears that Bishop will not be asked to lead the next mission and the other decisions don’t look too good to Bishop and the former crew.

In the nick of time Skippy manages to round up a bare crew of former members of the Merry Band of Pirates and a handful of new recruits who volunteer to sacrifice their Earthly lives to take control of the ship and head out to face the enemy. Bishop and the makeshift crew have to face the impossible again – find a way to stop the two vastly superior enemy ships that are heading to attack Earth. Bishop and Skippy trade awful insults (to the point of “Enough, already!”) while waiting for “the monkey” to come up with a beyond logic idea to meet the mission.

This is the seventh book in this serries and I am still enjoying it. Yes, the insults are becoming almost unpleasant and thereby losing some of the humor. Still, I enjoyed the energy, the camaraderie, and the tricks pulled out of the hat to meet their goal. I suppose it makes sense that the ship commander has to remain apart and alone but it would be nice to see something new develop for Bishop. I will continue in the series and recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is the voice of these characters. The variety of accents is remarkable. His narration absolutely adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 23, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 24, 2023

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.

Last week was a bit of a push for me as I prepared to be out of office Friday for a GFWC Conference. I expect to be doubly busy this week but we'll see how it turns out.

The Conference theme was "Puttin' on the Ritz" and here are most of us from our District 2 (members from 5 clubs) in our flapper dresses:

I sort of hide in the back row when it's picture time!

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
Things are moving in my office so we may see some changes soon.

Our weather has been pretty nice and not too hot yet.

I finished two audios this past week and posted two reviews and my memes.

I visited only 13 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to GULFSIDE MUSINGS. JoAnn shares on books she reads as well as some lovely images and family moments too.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post April 16, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 17, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander; Genre: Civil War, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0. 
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Werewolf Cop by Andrew Klavan; Genre: Occult, Police Procedure, Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 23, 2023 - The Lord's Prayer.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles.
Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
I liked the occult element and the suspense (but not the amount of sex.)
Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Instructor
By T.R. Hendricks
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
Series: Derek Harrington, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
I am enjoying the military survival training in this suspenseful story.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Get Up and Grow: 21 Habits of Successful People
By Duke Matlock
Our Pastor gave this to Board members in March. I started it but set it aside. Now I am reading it daily to have it fresh in my mind for our next Board meeting early in May.
I am enjoying the learning process.
Source: March 2023 gift from Pastor.
Get Up and Grow is about developing habits that foster personal and professional growth in four critical areas: spirituality, success, health, and margin. In six chapters, Get Up and Grow will enable you to shift your paradigm and create a culture of growth and investment in your life. By utilizing your mornings as opportunities for development, Get Up and Grow will change the way you view success and will create the space to see exponential growth.

I will get to a third book (an audio) and I will decide when I get there, again.

April 23, 2023 - I continue to enjoy another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
I am reading the paperback instead of the an App study.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed two so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have one more audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No review titles and no wins last week.
Only one Audio from Plus Catalog last week.
I got one free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

4/20/2023 Free Kindle (author newsletter):

Silenced Witness (Jessie Black Legal Thrillers Book 6)
Larry A. Winters

The Postman
By: David Brin
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
(I stumbled onto this and I do like the movie.)


One new title added to Kindle library. 
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 23, 2023 - The Lord's Prayer

I was away at GFWC Florida Conference this weekend and just arrived home. We attended a sweet memorial service this morning for those members who died over the past year. We said the Lord's Prayer together and I found this song to share.

The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)

Verses for today:
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
     hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
     your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
     but deliver us from the evil one.’

Audible Book Review: Werewolf Cop by Andrew Klavan

This is a dark story with a positive ending.

Werewolf Cop
By: Andrew Klavan
Narrated by: Andrew Klavan

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Occult, Police Procedure, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Zach Adams is one of the best detectives in the country. Nicknamed Cowboy, he serves on a federal task force that has a single mission: to hunt down Dominic Abend, a European gangster.
After a brutal murder gives them a lead, Zach feels like he's finally on Abend's trail. But things get complicated and very, very weird. Zach is beginning to suspect that Abend's evil goes beyond crime - perhaps to the edge of the supernatural.
In a centuries-old forest under a full moon, a beast assaults him, cursing him forever. In the aftermath Zach is transformed into something horrible - something deadly. Now the good cop has innocent blood on his hands. He has killed - and he will kill again - in the form of a beast that can't be controlled or stopped.
©2015 Amalgamated Metaphor (P)2015 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Zach Adams is on the hunt for a crime beast, Dominic Abend. A clue involving a strange ritualistic blade takes Zach to an obscure professor in Germany. The circumstances of their first meeting are strange, but their second meeting in a forest under a full moon leaves Zach with broken memories, flashes of violence, and an encounter he attributes to a nightmare until he recognizes the truth.

Zach met Abend once before leaving for Europe. Zach was almost overtaken by evil creatures in the dark, somehow controlled by Abend. When Zach returns to America, he begins to realize that Abend has occult powers. Abend has crossed Europe leaving devastation in his wake and now he is in America, not far from Zach’s territory.

While Zach is chasing the criminal, Abend seems to be one step ahead and there is the suspicion of a mole in Zach’s police office, and Zach is left at odds with his partner. Zach may have the only chance to take Abend down, but he may lose his family, if not his very life, in the process.

I like werewolf stories, so I was interested in this. Zach’s character is well developed so the reader feels his pain when he becomes the beast. I was definitely rooting for him to kill the horribly evil villain and resolve his personal issues. I liked the redemptive conclusion. The story read fairly quickly and would make a good October/Horror read if a reader likes to read dark stories near Halloween. I recommend the book to fans of occult and dark stories.

Audio Notes: Andrew Klavan, the author, did a good job with the narration. Not all author narrations are successful, but I thought this one worked really well. I am glad I listened to the audio.

Source: 10/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook,and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

This is a lovely, character driven Civil War romance and I will get more books by this author.
To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 11-30-12
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Civil War, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
From best-selling author Tamera Alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the struggles of real people of the post-war South and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Hardings’ head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth’s husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn “the gift” that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for fighting against the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
…
This inspirational historical romance can be listened to as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first audiobook in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series.
Audiobook length: approximately 125K words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note from the author.
©2012 Tamera Alexander (P)2012 Zondervan

Review:
Olivia is a proper Southern lady whose marriage was arranged for her by her father. She soon learned that her husband was not the Southern Gentleman that he pretended to be. But she had no idea of the actions he was taking that resulted in him being executed as a traitor to the South. She now bears the stigma that leads to her being shunned by proper society. Fortunately, she is taken in by an “aunt”, Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. She thought she would help the household as head housekeeper but instead, Confederate General William Giles Harding was willing to allow her to stay only in a different capacity. Olivia is willing to take on the alternate duties but knows that the position is likely to be temporary and that the General has other plans to direct her remarriage.

Ridley Adam Cooper is a man from South Carolina who choose to fight for the Union. He has dreams to develop land as a homesteader in Colorado. But before he goes further west, he is seeking to learn about horse training from Bob Green, a former slave and the head trainer at Belle Meade. Ridley and Bob ‘met’ during the war but must keep that a secret. General Harding would never allow a Union soldier to work with his horses and would most likely put Bob out for the secret he has harbored and for being willing to help Ridley.

Although Ridley doesn’t have the same touch and patience as Bob, he does have a knack for handling the ranch hands. He soon gains respect from all but the most disgruntled of the men and General Harding promotes him to foreman.

Ridley stumbled upon Olivia the first day they arrived at the Plantation. She had been trapped in an overturned carriage and he rescued her in spite of her protests. He was kind even as she was bristly. As the days go by, Ridley and Olivia realize that they have a common position as wounded outsiders. Slowly a friendship and warmer feelings develop although Olivia plans to remain in Tennessee and Ridley is set on going west.

Olivia’s character grew in strength and confidence as Ridley baited her and encouraged her. I liked both of these main characters and was rooting for them to work things out. Bob Green is another wonderful character, and the members of the Harding family are well developed and fitting characters of the era. There is excellent historical detail of the black community on the plantation, including struggles to open freedmen schools. They are welcoming to Ridley and Olivia but there is still clear prejudice, anger and disdain shown by the General and his friends.

I enjoyed the faith aspect to the story that is lightly developed and embraced. I will seek more books from this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Civil War stories and sweet romance.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert does a beautiful job with the narration. She conveys the personalities of the characters and provides the appropriate energy. I enjoyed the audio experience. CAVEAT – The prologue is an important element of the book but was left out of the audio. It can be read through the “Look Inside” Kindle format.

Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 16, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 17, 2023

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.

Our new employee is doing very well and brings a positive attitude to the office.
Heather seems to be doing much better this week. The ob/gyn has suggested some changes in medication and a review in a month or so after some testings.

Our GFWC Marianna Woman's Club got to usher at 75 Years of Chipola Music at our local college theater at the end of the week. It was a great program with several of my church family, including our pastor, joining in the Alumni Choir.
(I'm third from left (at the table) with glasses on my short hair.)

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
I am still praying for God's clear direction on the business end.

We had several storms last week but otherwise the weather seemed good. (I was inside a lot so maybe didn't notice so much.) The temps this week are predicted to be pretty nice: low at night 44; high during day 87.

I finished two audios this past week and posted three reviews, a Tour feature, and my memes.

I visited only 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to THE EDGE OF PRECIPICE. Rachel is "passionate about books and movies" (and married to a cowboy!

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post April 9, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 10, 2023.

• IRead BookTours - The Registration.
  

• ATour2023: IRead Book Tour Audio Book Review: The Registration by Madison Lawson; Genre: Dystopian, Psychological; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Purgatory's Shore, Artillerymen, Book 1 by Taylor Anderson; Genre: Alternate History, Military History; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Author2023: Book Review: The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It? by Joshua J. Watson; Genre:Eschatology, Christian Prophesy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #457 Comment Giveaway April 15, 2023. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/20/2023.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 16, 2023 - A Spiritual House.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
This is a  lovely, character driven Civil War romance and I will get more books by this author.
Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Werewolf Cop
By: Andrew Klavan Narrated
by: Andrew Klavan
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
This is a dark story but has a positive ending.
Source: 10/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles. I have less than 6 hours left.
Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
Includes special bonus note from the author.
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Publishing

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
I thought a romantic suspense would be good and it is a number title.
Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
Some things shouldn't be seen....
Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee. Deep in the Smoky Mountains, the victim lies, sacrificed on a makeshift altar - the gruesome work of a killer who has evaded the authorities in state after state. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well - just as he knows the killings won't stop until there are four more bodies.
Some warnings won't be heeded....
Genny Madoc's "sixth sense" has brought many of Cherokee Pointe's residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it's Genny who needs help from the disturbing visions she sees - images that are getting stronger and more violent day by day.
Some fears can't be stopped....
Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town's hidden secrets before a twisted killer can complete a sinister plan that will make one of them the fifth victim.
©2018 Beverly Barton (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I will get to a third book and I will decide when I get there.

April 16, 2023 - I continue to enjoy another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
I didn't do an extra study last week. I hope to select one this week. Maybe a NetGalley title.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed three so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have two audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No review titles and no wins last week.
I picked one free Audible Plus Catalog audio book.
I got one free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/16/2023 Selected two Audible Credit picks for March.
The first sounds like fun and the second is a series continuance. I like both authors.

The Wizard's Butler
The Wizard's Butler, Book 1
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Cold as Hell
Black Badge Series, Book 1
By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
Narrated by: Roger Clark
Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Free

4/11/2023 Audible Plus Catalog

Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong
By: Eric Barker
Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

4/10/2023 Free Kindle (from author newsletter):

Finding his Heart's Destination: A Historical Western Romance Book
Aurora Hanson




One new title added to Kindle library. 
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 16, 2023 - A Spiritual House

I was a little slow this morning so I missed Sunday School. The only plus was I was early for church and got to greet many people.

Pastor finished up the sermon series started before Easter. The scripture was 1 Peter 2:1-6.
Sometimes independent people say they want “nothing to master me or control my life”. And sometimes God is speaking to us and we aren't listening. The question is whether we are willing to listen and allow God to guide our lives.

As a new baby longs for milk, so we should long for the things of God. 1 Peter 2:2. Each believer is a part of God's kingdom and church; part of the body of Christ. Once we accept Christ, we enter a building process. God is building a place for himself. He is weeding out the bad characteristics.

Our lives should change as we experience God. A person who must yield when they come to Jesus. It is more than a decision, it is an experience. There is a new beginning as the new believer is made new. Jesus works a transformation, from inside out. To be transformed, you must allow Christ control of your life.

The believer becomes a living stone. There will always be some people who will reject God. But Jesus is precious. He is worthy to be worshiped. To follow Jesus, He must become the centerpiece of our life.

The living stone will allow God to build a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5. God specializes in breathing life into death. It is essential to let God be the builder. As the contractor works with supplies, it isn’t enough just to buy the materials. The raw material needs to be cut and fit into the planned design. Each person is the equivalent of just a 2 x 4.

The destiny of a Christian is to live a life for God, not be the most popular on the Internet. It is not really important to get the credit as the credit really belongs to God. Do we let God direct our service?

God is building a Holy Church, a Holy people. We each should be seeking holiness, not worldliness. God created you to worship, to glorify Him. We each are to give spiritual sacrifice. 1 Peter:2:5. When we recognize that we are not satisfied to be on our own, then we become willing to sacrifice to be part of His Kingdom. Our Pastor had to lay down music to be what God wanted him to be – a preacher and a teacher.

Some people are looking for a church where they want to be instead of letting God use them where He wants them to fit. The Body of Christ needs each part. Are we willing to allow God to fit us where he wants us? Are we willing to be built into a spiritual house?

I found this song and think it is wonderful for today’s message. First Things First.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 2:1-6 NIV
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”


Lord, I pray that You remain the center of my life and fit me, use me, where You want me. You are worthy of my humble sacrifice.