MBS 2018 NetGalley & Edelweiss MId Year Update

Welcome to the fifth annual Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge!
This Challenge is hosted by Bookish Things & More where the sign up and rules can be found

I selected the level I just barely made last year. I am behind a few titles and need to add more NetGalley reading to my schedule.
Gold – 50 Books
Ratings:
5.0 - none yet.
4.75 - 2
4.5 - 6

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann; Christian, Inspirational, Holiday; my rating 4.25.
3. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
4. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.
5. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.
6. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai; Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; my rating 4.0.
7. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert; Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
8. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip; Fantasy, Magical, Romance; my rating 4.75.
9.  NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: If I Live by Terri Blackstock; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
10. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Fade to Black by David Rosenfelt; Crime Thriller, Police Procedures; my rating 4.0.
11. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Consent of the Governed by Bernard LoPinto; Dystopian, Political; my rating 4.0.
12. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin; Crime Fiction, Thriller; my rating 4.5.
13. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: The Edge of Memory by Maura Beth Brennan; Drama, Psychological Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.0.
14. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: Mind Game: A Novel (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen; Crime, Thriller, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.0.
15. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing; Children, Crafts; my rating 4.5.
16. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Let There Be Light by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo; Christian, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.
17. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner; Colonization, Sci Fi, Space; my rating 4.0.
18. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
19. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Lock 'N' Load (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.
20. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Queendom of the Seven Lakes (Legends of the Godskissed Continent) by A B Endacott; Fantasy, Historical, New Adult; my rating 4.25.
21. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.

#NetGalley Book Review: Battle Hymn (America Rising) by William C. Dietz

I enjoyed this alternate history, military series.
Battle Hymn (America Rising)
by William C. Dietz

File Size: 1861 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0425278743
Publisher: Ace (February 20, 2018)
ASIN: B072LT18QW
Genre: Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned® novels comes the final volume in the postapocalyptic military science fiction trilogy about America warring with itself and the people trying to keep it together...
The Second Civil War continues to rage as Union president Samuel T. Sloan battles to keep America whole and, more than that, to restore the country to its former greatness.
"Wanted Dead or Alive." Following a fateful battle between Union Army major Robin "Mac" Macintyre and her sister, the New Confederacy places a price on Mac's head, and bounty hunters are on her trail.
But there's work to be done, and Mac is determined to help Sloan reunify the country by freeing hundreds of Union POWs from appalling conditions in Mexico and capturing a strategic oil reserve that lies deep inside Confederate territory.
However, to truly have peace it will be necessary to capture or kill the New Confederacy's leadership, and that includes Mac's father, General Bo Macintyre.

Review:
At the end of book two Mac and her sister had a fateful confrontation. The New Confederacy, by the command of her own father, has placed a price on Mac’s head making her the target of bounty hunters. Many of Mac’s original platoon have been lost so there is a steady stream of new troops coming in. Some of those under her command have Confederate sympathies, or are just greedy, making it hard to know whom she can trust.

Mac’s new commander views Mac as lucky and getting favoritism as the suspected ‘lover’ of Union President, Sam Sloan. Mac gets a new team together and has to prove her worth through a treacherous rescue of abused POWs held in a Mexican prison. More losses occur but the battles don’t stop.
Mac and her Marauders are assigned to capture a strategic oil reserve within Confederacy territory. The odds aren’t good and get worse when unexpected Mexican troops begin to swarm from the south. The Confederacy leadership has made a devil’s bargain with Mexican leaders in an effort to turn the tide of their losses.

President Sloan struggles to prevail as the engagements heat up and the Union faces fresh masses of troops arriving from Mexico. A ravaging hurricane hitting New Orleans adds to the confusion and the tense situation. A daring plan is implemented to take down the leaders of the New Confederacy hoping to stop the confrontation once and for all.

Between battles, corruption and betrayal are revealed. There are a few moments for Sloan and Mac to come together but they can’t let their guard down as enemies continue to stalk them.

This final book in the America Rising series packs a lot of action and some inconsistencies. There are some early bounty attacks on Mac, but those threats pretty much stop in spite of her notoriety and visibility. Some chilling attack plans are discussed and then never mentioned again. This was a good thing, but it seemed strange that it was introduced as a possibility only to never be revisited.

As in the prior books some of the scenes are implausible and have to be accepted as just entertainment. In spite of these inconsistencies, I enjoyed the steady action and suspense that continues to the end. I liked the teasing relationship between Sloan and Mac even in their brief encounters. This series was entertaining and the ending was a satisfactory conclusion.

Source: Publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

My Review of Book One: Into the Guns (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.0

My Review of Book Two: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Diet, rated 4.5

Note: I think this series is overpriced in the Kindle format and, IMHO, that may limit readership.
The Audible prices might be acceptable but with so many choices of books available it seems strange to overprice a series that may be entertaining but isn’t really stellar.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman

This is a light, charming historical mystery with a determined female amateur detective.
A Gem of a Problem (Emma Berry Murray River Mystery Book 1)
by Irene Sauman

File Size: 3746 KB
Print Length: 223 pages
Publisher: Jakada Books; 2 edition (March 15, 2017)
ASIN: B06XPGYSHD
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As if losing Sam wasn’t enough, now she must deal with what he has left behind.
Emma hadn’t known Sam was delivering (smuggling?) a package across the Murray River border between the colonies, but the package, containing something of great value, is missing after the sinking of the paddle steamer Mary B. She doesn’t believe the Major’s story of why. It makes no sense. But his threats are real enough.
If only Daniel wasn’t blaming her for everything. She will have to travel a lonely road in her efforts to locate the missing item before time runs out. Who is lying to her, who is telling the truth? Will what she finds be what she is looking for? And more importantly, will it be what the Major expects?

Review:
Emma loved Sam when they married but things didn’t turn out as nicely as she hoped. Emma tried to settle Sam down but his impulsive and careless ways continued. Now he is dead after sinking their paddle steamer in a reckless channel race. Emma is trying to recover from his death, the damaged steamer and the loss of her baby when an intimidating neighbor, Major, claims that Sam had a valuable package to deliver. The Major wants it back or payment for the loss. His threats extend to her family and their reputation so she must try to resolve the problem.

The only person that Emma feels she can trust to help her is Daniel, Sam’s brother and co-owner of the Mary B. Emma is flustered by Daniel’s anger, but she is determined to hunt for the missing package and get repairs moving on the steamer whether he approves or not. Emma begins her inquiries, stirring up some troubles, but uncovering clues. She follows the clues up the channel, standing on her own, meeting new people and old acquaintances as she unravels the truth of the mystery.

The setting in 1870's Australia provides a unique and wonderfully rich backdrop for the story. The writing is straightforward, smooth with steady movement which makes for an easy read. Emma is a lovely, engaging character. I liked her determination combined with caring and gentleness towards others. There is a fine tension between Daniel and Emma that makes the reader wonder about their true feelings.

I look forward to reading more of Emma’s adventures on the channel and to learning what develops. I recommend this to mystery readers, especially those who like historical settings.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges; Also I Spy Reading Challenge – Umbrella on Cover.

#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black

This is a fascinating tale from the perspective of a warrior angel.
Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2
by Chuck Black

File Size: 4213 KB
Print Length: 319 pages
Publisher: Multnomah (February 17, 2015)
ASIN: B00N6PFBKA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Christian, Fantasy,
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

A six thousand year war rages and now the demonic Fallen are coming for him—the one man shrouded in mystery. Only Validus stands in their way.
Validus is the last and least of God’s angels, but he’s seen much across the millennia since his creation. Empires have risen and fallen as angelic and demonic forces battle in a raging war that will determine humanity's fate – and the fate of his defeated brothers.
Eventually called to be an earth-bound warrior, Validus rises to a position of power and respect, commanding legions of angels through impossible battles and overwhelming odds. But when orders arrive from the Creator's most elite Messenger, he finds himself suddenly demoted to a task of apparent insignificance considering the fierce war they are waging against the demonic Fallen – the covert protection of one unbelieving man.
Validus soon finds himself on a mission that will push him beyond his abilities as he battles to protect Drew Carter, for the Fallen are coming for him. Legions of them.
As Validus races against time to discover why Drew is so important to humanity's survival, can he stand between Drew and all who would destroy him?

Review:
The first book, The Cloak of Light, follows the growth of Drew Carter, a good young man who lost his father as a youth and later is injured during a lab accident. Initially it was thought that he was blind, but he recovered his sight and can see between realms. He thinks he is seeing aliens, not realizing that he is seeing demons and angels.

Validus is a warrior angel who has now been reassigned to guard the human, Drew Carter. Initially Validus thinks this is a demotion as he doesn’t know why Drew is important. The man isn’t even a believer in Christ, although he has a close female friend who is.As Validus and his charge become pursued by the 'fallen' he begins to recognize the urgency of this assignment.

The wonderful thing about this, book two, is it tells the perspective of history, from the beginning of creation, including the fall of Lucifer, many battles over the years and even the birth of Jesus, all through the eyes of Validus. Chuck Black does a remarkable, imaginative job developing very believable scenes consistent with Biblical and historical stories. I enjoyed the character of Validus and his friends as they interact with the humans of each event. There is exciting, detail in the scenes, including blow by blow descriptions in the human and spiritual battles.

The book also has a strong, thought provoking discussion guide. I enjoyed this book two even more than book one and look forward book three. I recommend this to readers who enjoy action and enjoy stories of the angelic realm.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018 NetGalley, TBR and Alphabet Challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2) by Joyce and Alexandra Swann

This story shares fascinating information and wonderful Christian messages.
Precisely at Midnight (Kinsman Book 2)
by Joyce and Alexandra Swann

File Size: 1120 KB
Print Length: 175 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 197406042X
Publication Date: October 6, 2017
ASIN: B0768MD1HT
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Holiday
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When Carol Pensworth accepts her invitation to begin a new life, her first assignment is to redeem victims of human trafficking. But Carol quickly learns that with Kinsman, one invitation always leads to another, and then another, and then another....
You are invited...to experience the hope of redemption and the power of second chances in a holiday story that celebrates the value of every life.

Review:
Carol accepts an invitation from Kinsman, a Christian foundation that helps people who are willing to help themselves and change their lives. Carol lost her parents when she was only a teen and has worked hard to raise her younger brother. Now Kinsman has offered a chance for her to fulfill a few dreams of her own.

Carol is beginning a charming friendship with a widower connected with the Kinsman project. But even that friendship won’t stand in the way when Carol’s heart is touched by a special message shared at church. A young woman shares the trauma of girls trapped into prostitution, sold by family or kidnapped and caged to be used as sex slaves with no hope of release. Carol hasn’t told anyone about the cry for help she has been hearing. Now she knows that she is being called to help the women in this situation.

Kinsman helps Carol travel to a foreign country to meet with leaders of an organization that rescues young women. There Carol meets a young woman and is determined to change her live provided they escape the dangers around them.

I found this story lovely as well as informative. I really liked the personal way the authors shared the heart wrenching situation. The authors also share Biblical messages in very natural settings and dialogue. I was fully engaged, and this read very quickly.

Although this has a beautiful holiday cover and is listed under "Holiday", it can be read and enjoyed anytime of the year. I recommend this story to readers who might want to know about female trafficking and who enjoy Biblically based stories.

Source: NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018 TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner

This was a great way to kick off my new year. I liked the encouraging suggestions of the author.

What If God Wrote Your To-Do List?:
52 Ways to Make the Most of Every Day
by Jay Payleitner

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736961933
Genre: Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

What is God Asking You "To-Do" Today?
When you talk to God about His plans for you, do you tend to focus on the far-off future? Big-picture thinking is great, but don't miss out on what the Lord has in store for you today.
These 52 easy tasks will help you embrace opportunities to grow closer to God, reach out to others, and take better care of yourself. This is a to-do list for your soul.
Read a Psalm, talk to a neighbor, or right a wrong. These are just a few examples of the simple activities that will enrich your everyday life.
God is calling you to make the most of each day and live life to the fullest!

Review:
I was glad to start the new year of 2018 with this book although this could be a bit intimidating. We get so busy in our worldly lives that we may well forget to set our priorities with God’s plan in mind rather than our own.

The author sets out 52 Godly to-do items supported by scripture and example. The ‘chapter’ titles are not always directly what the author will suggest as he uses twists in the topics – keeping it interesting. The tasks are not surprising or earth shaking but rather down to earth reminders of the things a Christ Follower should be doing.

This is set out in 52 sections which would indicate that it is good to read and focus on one To-Do item every week for a year. I read the whole book in one week but plan to go back to it at the beginning of each week to see if I am doing the items suggested.

It is easy to read, inspiring uplifting and encouraging. I recommend this as a nice guide to help anyone who wants a closer relationship with God and a truer Christian walk in our earthly journey.

I picked this up at NetGalley for my first book of the year.
It qualifies for 2018 NetGalley Challenge, 2018 Alphabet Challenge and 2018 TBR Challenge. This is a new author for me.

MBS 2018 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Welcome to the fifth annual Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge!
This Challenge is hosted by Bookish Things & More where the sign up and rules can be found

Levels:
Bronze – 10 Books
Silver – 25 Books
Gold – 50 Books
Platinum – 75 Books
Diamond – 100 Books

I just made my goal of Gold in 2017 with 51 NetGalley books read and reviewed. I think I can accomplish the Gold level again this year with my reading plan.
I will try to post the monthly book list and progress here this year. Reviews will be linked as completed.

JANUARY:
1. What if God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner.