Sunday Post March 31, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 1, 2024

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 did get good work done last week and we had a couple of closings. I'll be pushing through work this coming week as I have some travel coming up. 

I have an eye doctor appointment this week. I hope he can give some direction on how to improve my blurring vision.

I forgot to take a "before" picture of fuzzy Bear, but here he is after his grooming visit!

I did boxing most of the weekend and have 7 boxes in the car to go out to our Woman's Club yard sale. That was my exercise this week.

I will continue to pray for the Advent messages all year: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

We had some cooler days and rain early in the week but over the weekend it got warmer and tomorrow is supposed to be 82. 

I finished two audiobook and made slow progress in my ebooks. I did a review at Goodreads, but have two still to do.

I visited 12 blogs last week
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post March 24, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 25, 2024.

• MarthaE Cooking #11.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 31, 2024 - Resurrection Victory!

Finished Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

Chosen
The Warrior Chronicles, Book 1
By: K. F. Breene
Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
Genre: Action, Adventure, Epic.
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins.
My Rating: 4.0. I liked this adventure fantasy - mostly. The primary female character was a bit annoying with lack of trust and sexual discussion that I found crass. I haven't decided yet if I will continue the series.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 5/12/19 Audible Credit.
Click on link to see full description.

2. Audio on Smartphone (TBR).

6/20/2020 2 for 1 Audiobooks.com
Dog on It
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: Jim Frangione
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: February 2009
Genre: Mystery, Police Detective
Duration: 9 hours 42 minutes
My Rating 4.0. This is told from the POV of the dog, Chet. It is an easy listen and a lighter mystery. My Review at Goodreads.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 6/20/2020 2 for 1 Audiobooks.com.
Click on link to see full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

Monster Hunter Guardian
Monster Hunter International, Book 7
By: Larry Correia, Sarah A. Hoyt
Narrated by: Bailey Carr
Genre: Action, Adventury, Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins
I was in the mood for action and picked this series that I have enjoyed. This one is a little different as it is about the main female character and narrated by a female.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: February 2022 Audible Credit.
Publisher's summary
New entry in the best-selling Monster Hunter International series by Dragon Award-winning authors Larry Correia and Sarah A. Hoyt
When Owen Pitt and the rest of the Monster Hunter International crew are called away to mount a month’s-long rescue mission in a monster-infested nightmare dimension, Julie Shackleford - Owen’s wife and descendant of MHI founder Bubba Shackleford - is left behind. Her task: hold down the fort and take care of her new baby son Ray. Julie’s devoted to the little guy, but the slow pace of office work and maternity leave are starting to get to her. But when a routine field call brings her face-to-face with an unspeakable evil calling itself Brother Death, she’ll get more excitement than she ever hoped for.
Julie is the Guardian of a powerful ancient artifact known as the Kamaresh Yar, and Brother Death wants it. In the wrong hands, it could destroy reality as we know it. Julie would die before giving it up.
Then Ray goes missing, taken by Brother Death. The price for his safe return: the Kamaresh Yar. If Julie doesn’t hand over the artifact it means death - or worse - for baby Ray. With no other choice left to her, Julie agrees to Brother Death’s demands. But when you’re dealing with an ancient evil, the devil is in the details.
To reclaim her son, Julie Shackleford will have to fight her way through necromantic death cults, child-stealing monsters, and worse. And she’ll have to do it all before Brother Death can unleash the Kamaresh Yar.
It’s one woman against an army of monsters. But Julie Shackleford is no ordinary woman - she’s one tough mother!
©2019 Larry Correia & Sarah A. Hoyt (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

2. Audio on Smartphone (TBR).
I haven't picked an "E" title yet so might pass over to "F" for now.
We'll see as the week progresses what I feel like.

3. eBook - NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGeB2024)

The Wild Lavender Bookshop
by Jodi Thomas
Pub Date 23 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 07 May 2024
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Small Town, Western.
I made little progress on this as I was spending a bit more time on the other NetGalley with the goal to finish it!. ! am 35% in and still enjoying the quirky characters.
2024NetGalley and 2024ebook Goals.
Source: 1/4/2024 NetGalley.

Sort of ON HOLD. Kindle (/NetGalley ) App on Smartphone (NGeB2023)

The Altered Moon 2: The Tyrant of Unity
By James McGettigan, Jingjing Huntley (Photographer), Fabiana Granado, Kyle Davis, Jason Frank, Serena Lucatero, Jacqui Corn-Uys (Editor), Anthony McGettigan (Editor), Judy McGettigan (Editor)
Genre: Alien Invasion, Space Sci Fi.
This is still reading slowly. I have reached 80%.
Although I am reading the other NetGalley ebook, I open this each day to read on the Kindle App.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
2024TBR, 2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals.
Click on link to see full description.

I only have one letter left for my Alphabet Challenge: X. You might note I am proceeding through the Alphabet again but trying to pull from older year TBRs.

March 31, 2024 - I am enjoying the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.) We are now reading Judges where the Israelites are settling into their new lands.
I appreciate how Tara Leigh Cobble's discussion points out each day that "God is where the Joy is."
I finished the 40 day study for Lent: Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival.
Now I am reading a 5 day study: After the Resurrection.

I finished two books; reviewed one at Goodreads.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have started my next ebook. I still have an older audio on my shelf I need to listen to.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles I might get to this year..

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

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, and Me. Emma has retired so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review titles.
No new books this week. 
No new Kindle titles this week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Nothing new this week and I am too tired to list more of the Audible Plus titles right now.
This gets me down to 17 more Audible Plus titles to list from February and March, 2024.

No new free 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 March 31, 2024 - Resurrection Victory!

Happy Resurrection Day! This morning pastor gave his message from Acts 2:22-24. Fifty days since the resurrection of Christ Jesus, Peter preaches resurrection for the first time. In his message he notes important elements.

1. God attested to Jesus by the miracles, mighty wonders He did “in your midst”. That power still exists today to show who Jesus is. Resurrection is really about Jesus.

2. The crucifixion of Christ was planned as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinful man. Jesus is the propitiation for sin; His death satisfied the debt and wrath we owe.
John 3:16-17. Jesus came to provide a restored relationship for sinful man. Isaiah 53:11.
We are all sinners. He is faithful to forgive, ‘if we confess our sins’. 1 John 1:9. We need to be more than believers. Be worshipers.

3. Those whom Christ died for, crucified Him. We are unable to keep the law or to truly love our neighbors as ourselves. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:8-10. God is concerned about our soul, not our comfort.
Love is willing to be vulnerable. And God loved so much he was vulnerable to allow man freedom of choice.

4. It was not possible for Christ to be held by death. Resurrection is proof of acceptance of the sacrifice to pay the debt and restore us. John 10:15.
Whosoever believes on Christ - the Way, the truth and the life - will have everlasting life.
those who sleep in Jesus. Because Jesus had victory over death, we can have victory. 1 Thessalonians 4:8-16.

Believe and Praise God for the Resurrection of Jesus who won our victory!

I chose this beautiful song for today: Here is Love Vast as the Ocean

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:22-24 New International Version
22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Lord, I confess I am a sinner and I believe you died for my sins.

Martha's Cooking #11

These are my HelloFresh meals over weeks three and four of March. The meals come in on Tuesday but often I don't get to cook them until the weekend since I don't eat after 7pm (or 7:30 if I am running late).. The shipments come in with ingredients for two meals, but often I get at least three meals. 

HelloFresh Mexican Street Corn Pasta

with Bell Pepper, Jalapeno & Pepper Jack
This recipe gave me four meals. 
I had a Mexican Corn Casserole at a potluck and I loved it. This isn't quite the same and I still need to make the other recipe.

Chicken & Snap Pea Stir Fry

with Scallion Lime Rice & Creamy Chili Sauce.
I love crispy Snap Peas. This made enough for three meals although I had to add extra rice from a package I bought for Jasmine Rice.  

HelloFresh Street Cart-Style Chicken Bowls

with Chicken Thighs, Yellow Rice, White Sauce & Pita Wedges.
This will also make three meals with extra rice.

HelloFresh Caramelized Onion Meatloaf Sandwiches

with Potato Wedges & Horseradish Dijonnaise.

I love meatloaf and this was delicious. 
I don't eat much mayonnaise so I was glad it was flavored with horseradish and Dijon.

This made two good size sandwiches and extra meatloaf for lunch.

Sunday Post March 24, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 25, 2024

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 was thinking of going north for the week of spring break that my grandkids get this coming week. Sadly, I feel really swamped at work so I decided not to go right now. But I may make a surprise visit soon. The plus on postponing my visit is that staff kept the week open so I should have few interruptions and can concentrate on paperwork. 

I got a call Friday with the good news that the biopsy confirmed a benign tumor. On the other hand, I received a letter from my dermatologist that the biopsy they took is a skin cancer so I'll be setting an appointment for that.

We are seeing colors of spring

This view of our courthouse is directly across the street from my office.
As I got into the car Friday at end of day I looked and thought that the azaleas in the plantings made me think of one of those online garden games or house designs.

These bright colors are honey suckle in my back yard.

I need to pick up my exercise efforts. Why is this so hard to get into habit?

I will continue to pray for the Advent messages all year: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Our weather is pretty lovely, even with a few thunder storms during the week.

I finished only one audiobook and made slow progress in my ebooks. I did a review at Goodreads.

I apparently linked my post at three sites last week and then forgot to go visit and comment. I will be visiting two posts where I visit catch up this week. 
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post March 17, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 18, 2024.

• MarthaE Cooking #10.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 24, 2024 - Worship Our God.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

Barrow King: An Epic LitRPG/GameLit Adventure
By: C.M. Carney
Narrated by: Armen Taylor
Series: The Realms Series, Book 1 (8 books)
Genre: Action, Adventure, LitRPG, Superhero.
Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
My Rating: 4.5. I found this to be good action and fun adventure.
 My Review at Goodreads.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals
Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale on Sci Fi and Fantasy titles.
Click on link to see full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

Chosen
The Warrior Chronicles, Book 1
By: K. F. Breene
Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
Genre: Action, Adventure, Epic.
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins.
I have had this a while and decided it was time to listen. I am enjoying the strong female protagonist and the story at three hours in.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 5/12/19 Audible Credit.
Publisher's summary
It is said that when war threatens the world, one individual will be selected by prophecy to lead the Shadow Warriors out of the Land of Mist and reclaim the freedom that has been stolen.
Shanti has grown up under the constant threat of war. Since she helped her people defeat a raiding party by using a special power, she's been a hunted woman. Carrying rare abilities and an uncanny fighting aptitude, Shanti is the only hope of salvation for her people. The problem is, she doesn't believe in her own divinity, and when she flounders, she nearly fails in the duty hanging so heavy on her shoulders.
It seems like any other day when Sanders and his band of misfit boys find a foreign woman clinging to life in the wastelands. Oblivious to the weapon they now have in their possession, they are content to harbor the mysterious woman until she is well enough to continue her journey. But when the war spreads its arms and lands on her borrowed doorstep, Shanti has no choice but to reveal her secrets, plunging her saviors into danger. If they band with her, they will face certain death. But to trade her to Xandre, the warlord desperate to add her to his war machine, would be to give up their entire way of life.
War is coming. The only question is this: Which side do you choose?
©2014 K. F. Breene (P)2016 Podium Publishing

2. Audio on Smartphone (TBR).

6/20/2020 2 for 1 Audiobooks.com
Dog on It
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: Jim Frangione
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: February 2009
Genre: Mystery, Police Detective
Duration: 9 hours 42 minutes
This is another older TBR and I felt it was time for a lighter mystery …with a dog.
Source: 6/20/2020 2 for 1 Audiobooks.com.
SUMMARY
Chet, the wise and lovable canine narrator of Dog on It, and Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, are quick to take a new case involving a frantic mother searching for her teenage daughter. This well-behaved and gifted student may or may not have been kidnapped, but she has definitely gotten mixed up with some very unsavory characters. With Chet's highly trained nose leading the way, their hunt for clues takes them into the desert to biker bars and other exotic locales-until the bad guys try to turn the tables and the resourceful duo lands in the paws of peril. Spencer Quinn's irresistible mystery kicks off a delightful new series that will have readers panting for more.

3. eBook - NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGeB2024)

The Wild Lavender Bookshop
by Jodi Thomas
Pub Date 23 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 07 May 2024
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Small Town, Western.
I am 30% in on this and still enjoying the quirky characters.
2024NetGalley and 2024ebook Goals.
Source: 1/4/2024 NetGalley.

Sort of ON HOLD. Kindle (/NetGalley ) App on Smartphone (NGeB2023)

The Altered Moon 2: The Tyrant of Unity
By James McGettigan, Jingjing Huntley (Photographer), Fabiana Granado, Kyle Davis, Jason Frank, Serena Lucatero, Jacqui Corn-Uys (Editor), Anthony McGettigan (Editor), Judy McGettigan (Editor)
Genre: Alien Invasion, Space Sci Fi.
This is still reading slowly. I have reached 77%.
Although I am reading the other NetGalley ebook, I open this each day to read on the Kindle App.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
2024TBR, 2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals.
Click on link to see full description.

I only have one letter left for my Alphabet Challenge: X. You might note I am proceeding through the Alphabet again but trying to pull from older year TBRs.

March 24, 2024 - I am enjoying the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.) We are reading in Joshua this week. I have always enjoyed this book where Joshua is told to "be strong and courageous".
I appreciate how Tara Leigh Cobble's discussion points out each day that "God is where the Joy is."
I am 37 days into a 40 day study for Lent: Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival.

I finished one book; rated  with review at Goodreads.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have started my next ebook. I still have an older audio on my shelf I need to listen to.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles I might get to this year..

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

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, and Me. Emma has retired so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review titles.
No new Audibles this week but there are several sales - I'm trying not to look.
I did pick my Audiobooks.com March VIP title.

No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

3/23/24 March VIP at Audiobooks.com. This continues a series. 

Day Shift
Written By: Charlaine Harris
Narrated By: Susan Bennett
Series: #2 Of Midnight, Texas
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranomal
Duration: 9 hours 55 minutes

A portion of the Audible Plus titles from February 2024:

On a Night Like This
By: Liz Maverick
Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg, Andrew Eiden
Series: Winter Nights, Book 3
Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins

The Hollow of Fear
By: Sherry Thomas
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Lady Sherlock, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

The Lost Gargoyle of Paris
By: Gigi Pandian
Narrated by: Julia Motyka
Series: Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, Book 4.5
Length: 3 hrs and 1 min

Artifact
A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, Book 1
By: Gigi Pandian
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Series: Jaya Jones, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Runaway Girl
By: Tessa Bailey
Narrated by: Hayden Bishop, Tyler Donne
Series: The Girl, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Protecting What's His
By: Tessa Bailey
Narrated by: Alice Chapman
Series: Line of Duty, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Lies My Teacher Told Me
Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
By: James W. Loewen
Narrated by: Brian Keeler
Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins

The Fairy-Tale Detectives
The Sisters Grimm
By: Michael Buckley
Narrated by: L. J. Ganser
Series: Sisters Grimm, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins

The Rebound
By: Leeanne Slade
Narrated by: Claudia Jessie
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

The Takedown’
By: Lily Chu
Narrated by: Phillipa Soo
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

This gets me down to 17 more Audible Plus titles to list from February and March, 2024.

No new free 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 March 24, 2024 - Worship our God!

Pastor continued his preaching from Nehemiah noting the overall theme: Rebuild and Revive.
Believes this is prophetic message for our church (the church). Today’s message is from Nehemiah Chapter 9.
Five elements of spiritual revival expressed here:
1. Humility – they fasted, dressed in sack cloth and put dirt on their heads. Nehemiah 9:1; 2 Chronicles 7:14.
2. Separate from foreigners. Nehemiah 9:2; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - separate from sin. Allow God to transfer your nature.
3. Confession/repentance. Nehemiah 9:2-3. Confess inequities of ancestors and recognize our own sin. 1 John 1:9-10. Do we love the sin more than we love God?
4. Worship. Nehemiah 9:3-5. God created us to worship Him. Seek the Lord and He will be found. It is our gift to Him.
5. Listen to the Word of God. Nehemiah 9:3. They read for a quarter of the day! The Word of a God is a mirror to our behavior. The God of the universe has given us instructions how to best live our lives.

Remainder of the chapter gives examples of how to worship, what to say.
Acknowledge His greatness, who He is. Talk about His attributes. Nehemiah 9:6-7.
Worship Him for all He has done – creation, history, provision, healing; Nehemiah 9:8-11.
Worship Him for guidance, the Spirit that instructs, convicts, directs. Nehemiah 9:12-13.
Worship Him for His Word. Nehemiah 9:13-14.
Worship Him for miracles of the past and miracles of your current life. Nehemiah 9:15-17.
Worship Him for His forgiveness and steadfastness. Nehemiah 9:17-19.
Worship Him for the promises He has fulfilled and for His compassion. Nehemiah 9:20-30.
Worship Him for His presence, grace and mercy. He will never leave you. Nehemiah 9:31.
Worship Him for His greatness and His righteousness. Nehemiah 9:32-34.

When we worship, He shows up. He has come to seek and save those who were lost.

We sang a wonderful ‘older’ praise song this morning: To Him Who Sits On The Throne”… be Blessing and Glory and Honor and Power forever. That is a great song but I chose this song today: Greater Things.

Verses for Today:
Nehemiah 9 NIV
1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.

Heavenly Father my creator, Christ my Savior, Holy Spirit my Guide – May I share your Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence with those I come in touch with.

Additional Verse:
2 Chronicles 7:14
…[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Martha Cooking #10

These are my HelloFresh meals over weeks two and three of March. When I show a plate or bowl it is for one meal, I am noting if it made two or more meals for me. 

Pasta Primavera

with Lemon Sauce, Bell Pepper, Zucchini & Peas;
This recipe gave me three meals. 

Peanut Butter & Cherry Belgian Waffles

with Jammy Honey Sauce & Apple
This comes with four waffles - four breakfasts and/or a lunch. 

Paprika Chicken in a Lemony Sauce with Pistachio Rice & Roasted Carrots.
I took a picture before the meat was cut but realized I hadn't added the sauce or pistachios.
This was two meals.

Za’atar-Crusted Grilling Cheese

with Sumac-Spiced Zucchini & Onion over Couscous.

I do love cheese even this when it squeaked as I ate it!

I followed the instructions to broil the veggies but my broiler was really hot.
They are crispier but taste good.
This made two meals.

Sunday Post March 17, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 18, 2024

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Work continues along. I was tired after the time change last Sunday and the whole week was off a little.
I stayed home on Wednesday after the surgery on Tuesday and did a little computer work. I went into office and worked a full day Thursday which may have been too much. Friday I went in at 10:30 and came home at 4:00. I had a dinner with 18 other women from my Woman's Club and others in the state from 6-8.

I went for surgery (basically a lumpectomy and biopsy of the ductal tumor) on Tuesday, arriving at 6:30am. They sent me early to ultra sound where they put a wire in to guide the surgeon to the right spot. Then they sent me to the operating waiting area at 9am. It was very boring as they did not take me into surgery until after 2pm and I had no phone - no book! Had I realized, I would have taken a paperback that could be lost. The post surgery medicine they gave me onsite (fentanyl) was awful - made me too woozy. (Why would people take that voluntarily?)  Fortunately the pain was minimal so I only took one codeine pill the first night. The area has been tender to touch or bump, but, surprisingly, no other pain except some tightness as I worked all day. 
Saturday was pretty much a daze of a day. I did laundry and cooked dinner, but had no energy. I think I may have been dehydrated from earlier in the week.

I didn't do much exercise this week although I walked outside two days.

I will continue to pray for the Advent messages all year: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Our weather continues to be nice n the 70s with maybe one day of rain a week.

I finished three audiobooks. I did short reviews at Goodreads for the first two.

I visited 11 blogs again last week.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post March 10, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 11, 2024.

• MarthaE Cooking #9.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 10, 2024 - We Are Only Pilgrims.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

You Have Been Judged
Series: Judge, Jury, & Executioner, Book 1
By: Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Chloe Cannon
Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
Genre: First Contact, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 (down .25 due to foul language.)
I liked the strong female protagonist and the action.  
My Review at Goodreads.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 10/29/2023 On Sale at Audible $4.99.
Click on link to see full description.

2. Audio on Smartphone (TBR).

Wild Horses
By: B. J. Daniels
Narrated by: Graham Winton
Series: The Montana Hamiltons, Book 1
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
My Rating: 4.0. This is a solid romantic suspense. I liked the characters and overall plot but there were some awkward writing POV changes. 
My Review at Goodreads. 
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 2018 Audionooks.com.
Click on link to see full description.

Ava's Crucible
The Complete Box Set
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Genre: Action & Adventure, Post Apocalyptic
Length: 20 hrs and 49 mins
I picked this as an “A” title from 2021. I am starting over on the Alphabet as it helps me pick from soooo many books.
I decided just do the first book at this time and come back to the rest later.
My Rating: 4.25. I enjoyed the story. It is heavy on politics and Christian messages, which is okay with me.
I still have to do my review at Goodreadds, then I will link it.
Source: 8/14/2021 July Audible Credit.
Publisher's summary
A stolen election. An unlikely heroine. The Second American Civil War.
When Ava is snatched from the hands of violent agitators by the ominous man who has been stalking her, she fears her fate may be worse than death.
Political discord between right and left has reached the flashpoint. Hostile rhetoric has given way to bloodshed and brutality.
The tentacles of the deep state have infiltrated every facet of American culture. The public education system, entertainment industry, and mainstream media have all been hijacked by a shadow government intent on fomenting a communist revolution in the United States. The antagonistic message of this agenda has poisoned the minds of America’s youth who are convinced that capitalism and conservatism are responsible for all the ills of the world. Violent protest and widespread destruction will bring America to her knees.
Ava's had a hard life . . . and it's about to get a whole lot tougher!
The deck is stacked against 29-year-old Ava. She’s a fighter, but she’s got trust issues and doesn’t always make the best decisions. Her personal complications aren’t without merit, but America is on the verge of a second Civil War, and Ava must pull it together if she wants to survive.
Trouble seems to follow Ava where ever she goes. The onset of the Second American Civil War should be no different. Caught in a vicious protest, she’ll have to do the unthinkable to stay alive.
Life only gets more difficult for Ava when she spots a sinister figure watching her every move. Who is the strange man with the scar on his face and what does he want with Ava?
Don’t miss this chilling tale of America’s Civil War 2.0! Start listening today and get a glimpse into the dark future in store for our country.
This is the complete three-book box set including:
Book One: Divided We Fall
Book Two: Embers of Empire
Book Three: United We Stand
As with all books by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
©2019 Mark Goodwin (P)2019 Mark Goodwin

Currently Reading:

1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

Barrow King: An Epic LitRPG/GameLit Adventure
By: C.M. Carney
Narrated by: Armen Taylor
Series: The Realms Series, Book 1 (8 books)
Genre: Action, Adventure, LitRPG, Superhero.
Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
I’d been eyeing this and I wanted another change of genre. I’ve just started and am meeting the hero. I like it so far.
2024TBR and 2024Audiobook goals
Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale on Sci Fi and Fantasy titles.
Publisher's summary
Book 1 of the best-selling epic LitRPG series The Realms.
A betrayed spy turned noob hero.
Betrayed by those closest to him, Finn Caldwell thought he’d escaped his life of violence and deception. But when a frantic message from his estranged sister draws him into The Realms, the world’s most advanced holographic reality game, Finn is forced to embrace his deadly skills once more.
Armed with a mysterious artifact known as a Godhead, Finn becomes the warrior-mage Gryph. Yet, things are not as they seem and to save his sister, he must escape a sentient dungeon by defeating its master, the Barrow King.
The Realms will take you back to the days when Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and The Elder Scrolls were new. Feel the nostalgia!
WARNING: Welcome to your new favorite genre.
LitRPG/GameLit is genre that incorporates gaming elements from tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder with epic RPG video games like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and MMO’s like World of Warcraft and sets them in a fantasy or science fiction setting. It generally has leveling, stat tables, character sheets and skill progressions.
If you’re new to LitRPG or GameLit, then The Realms is the perfect place to start.
Prepare to lose sleep. You have been warned.
The Realms - an epic LitRPG/GameLit fantasy series. Suggested listening order:
Barrow King
The Lost City
Killing Time
Dead Must Die (a side quest)
Scourge of Souls
The Forsaken God
Chaos Rising
Ravaged Land (coming soon)
©2018 C.M. Carney (P)2018 C.M. Carney

2. eBook - NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGeB2024)

The Wild Lavender Bookshop
by Jodi Thomas
Pub Date 23 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 07 May 2024
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Small Town, Western.
I am 20% in on this and enjoying the quirky characters I’ve met.
2024NetGalley and 2024ebook Goals.
Source: 1/4/2024 NetGalley.
Return to the unforgettable world of Someday Valley, Texas, in this tender, uplifting novel of hearts in search of second chances.
The trees that circle Someday Valley near Honey Creek are dressed in their fall finest, providing a pretty backdrop for the local businesses—including the little bookshop loved by schoolteacher Cora Lee Buchanan. There, under the watchful eye of owner Noah O’Brien, Cora Lee and her sister, Katherine, meet each Wednesday. Their talk mostly revolves around one subject: their father, known to everyone in town as Bear.
Both Cora Lee and Katherine worry about Bear Buchanan. They’ve no idea Bear has a secret life of his own. As for the sisters, Katherine, beautiful and self-absorbed, is in search of her third husband, while Cora Lee is in love for the first time. On warm nights, she climbs up to her building’s roof to chat with Noah and listen to the melody of the water below. Yet there is more intrigue afoot in Honey Creek . . .
Andi Delane has arrived in town to hear the last wishes of the father she never met. She was shocked to get a letter from lawyer Jackson Landry, and she has few expectations—of this mysterious will, or of Deputy Danny Davis who’s been assigned to protect her. But fall always brings changes, and this year there will be enough to alter not just the lives of those who call Honey Creek home, but the future of Someday Valley itself.

Sort of ON HOLD. Kindle (/NetGalley )App on Smartphone (NGeB2023)

The Altered Moon 2: The Tyrant of Unity
By James McGettigan, Jingjing Huntley (Photographer), Fabiana Granado, Kyle Davis, Jason Frank, Serena Lucatero, Jacqui Corn-Uys (Editor), Anthony McGettigan (Editor), Judy McGettigan (Editor)
Genre: Alien Invasion, Space Sci Fi.
This is still reading slowly. I have reached 75%.
Although I am reading the other NetGalley ebook, I open this each day to read on the Kindle App.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
2024TBR, 2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals.
Click on link to see full description.

I only have one letter left for my Alphabet Challenge: X,  

March 17, 2024 - I am enjoying the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.) I am reading in Deuteronomy. I appreciate how Tara Leigh Cobble's discussion points out each day that "God is where the Joy is."
I am 31 days into a 40 day study for Lent: Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival.

I finished three books; rated two with mini reviews at Goodreads.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have started my next ebook. I still have an older audio on my shelf I need to listen to.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles I might get to this year..

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

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, and Me. Emma has retired so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review titles.
Two Audible Credits. this week.

No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/18/2024 Two February Audible Credits. These are both continuing series that I like.

Critical Mass
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Expeditionary Force, Book 10
Length: 19 hrs and 25 mins

Undead
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Crucible, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Free

I still have more Audible Plus titles to list from February, and now March, 2024.

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