MERRY CHRISTMAS -
CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR!
Friday, December 25, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Audio Book Review: Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin by Jonathan L. Howard
This is another fun collection of unusual super-powered cops.
Review:
This is the second volume of collected stories featuring the Special Talents Goon Squad characters. The action and fun continues. There is additional character development in this collection, which includes pieces sharing some history on problems suffered by Talos, additional information on Red Wolf, the beginnings of the longest member of the current team, Ian, the Revenant, and a brief history of the squad. Ian lapses into a coma while he is regenerating the arm he lost to the Exterminating Angel. He doesn’t want to dream but he does, experiencing a mixture of memory and fantasy that reveals how he gained his talent and drops hints of other mysteries. The final story introduces another villain for the squad to face.
The dry British wit shines throughout in the characters and storytelling. This is fun, comic-like entertainment. If a reader is interested in sampling this series I discovered a summer special that is free at Kindle: GOON SQUAD 2014 Summer Special.
Audio Notes: I liked the introduction by the author. The rest of the narration is shared by Gabrielle de Cuir and Nicholas Guy Smith. They do a good job infusing the nuances of the characters into the story. I enjoy this is audio format and recommend it as quick, fun listening.
Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin
The Goon Squad, Book 2
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir, Nicholas Guy Smith
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
Series: Goon Squad, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-28-15
Publisher: Skyboat Media, Inc.
Genre: Sci Fi, Comic Storytelling
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
An ongoing, episodic "prose comic" from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in a version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it - along with most other large urban centers - has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad, Volume 2: Without Sin is composed of "A Star in Strange Ways", "Holy Fool", "Dead Man Tells Tale", "A Brief History of the Goon Squad", "Tale of Terror", and "Pomona Island", as well as an introduction read by the author.
©2014 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.
The Goon Squad, Book 2
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir, Nicholas Guy Smith
Series: Goon Squad, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-28-15
Publisher: Skyboat Media, Inc.
Genre: Sci Fi, Comic Storytelling
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
An ongoing, episodic "prose comic" from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in a version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it - along with most other large urban centers - has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad, Volume 2: Without Sin is composed of "A Star in Strange Ways", "Holy Fool", "Dead Man Tells Tale", "A Brief History of the Goon Squad", "Tale of Terror", and "Pomona Island", as well as an introduction read by the author.
©2014 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.
Review:
This is the second volume of collected stories featuring the Special Talents Goon Squad characters. The action and fun continues. There is additional character development in this collection, which includes pieces sharing some history on problems suffered by Talos, additional information on Red Wolf, the beginnings of the longest member of the current team, Ian, the Revenant, and a brief history of the squad. Ian lapses into a coma while he is regenerating the arm he lost to the Exterminating Angel. He doesn’t want to dream but he does, experiencing a mixture of memory and fantasy that reveals how he gained his talent and drops hints of other mysteries. The final story introduces another villain for the squad to face.
The dry British wit shines throughout in the characters and storytelling. This is fun, comic-like entertainment. If a reader is interested in sampling this series I discovered a summer special that is free at Kindle: GOON SQUAD 2014 Summer Special.
I received this audio from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox. It is part of my 2015 Audio Challenge.
Book Review: The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1 by Debbie Viguie
This is a solidly entertaining mystery: good plot and warm characters (except for the killer, of course).
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie
File Size: 1027 KB
Print Length: 290 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; 1 edition (March 1, 2010)
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
ASIN: B00AKJXORW
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.
Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.
Review:
Cindy is the secretary at her Presbyterian Church. They are preparing services for Easter when she opens the church one morning and tumbles upon a body in the sanctuary. A dark figure rushes in upon hearing her scream. Initially she is frightened but he introduces himself as the neighboring Rabbi, Jeremiah. Thus begins an unlikely friendship as Cindy continues to uncover bodies and Jeremiah continues to come to her rescue.
The murders are being posed to represent scenes from the Biblical week leading up to Easter. Cindy and Jeremiah are intent on helping the police find the killer as the gruesome scenes escalate. The detective, Mark, has to investigate to eliminate Cindy and Jeremiah as suspects, especially since they seem to show up at each crime scene.
This story jumps right into action with the first body appearing very early in the reading. It continues at a good pace with natural dialogue and actions of the characters. The author maintains a bit of mystery as to Jeremiah and his history throughout the story which adds an interest element. I enjoyed learning details I didn’t know about the Jewish celebration of the Passover Seder.
There was a touch of crossword puzzle questions which I always find fun and Ms. Viguie adds humor through the dialogue too. There were a few inspirational tidbits but nothing preachy. I really liked the positive message the Rabbi shared to help deal with the deaths of friends and loved ones.
Although the name was familiar, I didn't initially recognize that this is an author I read and reviewed before: Kiss of Night. This was an easy, fast paced mystery and I would enjoy reading more in the series (and more by Ms. Viguie). I recommend this to readers who like a good mystery with warm characters.
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie
Print Length: 290 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; 1 edition (March 1, 2010)
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
ASIN: B00AKJXORW
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.
Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.
Review:
Cindy is the secretary at her Presbyterian Church. They are preparing services for Easter when she opens the church one morning and tumbles upon a body in the sanctuary. A dark figure rushes in upon hearing her scream. Initially she is frightened but he introduces himself as the neighboring Rabbi, Jeremiah. Thus begins an unlikely friendship as Cindy continues to uncover bodies and Jeremiah continues to come to her rescue.
The murders are being posed to represent scenes from the Biblical week leading up to Easter. Cindy and Jeremiah are intent on helping the police find the killer as the gruesome scenes escalate. The detective, Mark, has to investigate to eliminate Cindy and Jeremiah as suspects, especially since they seem to show up at each crime scene.
This story jumps right into action with the first body appearing very early in the reading. It continues at a good pace with natural dialogue and actions of the characters. The author maintains a bit of mystery as to Jeremiah and his history throughout the story which adds an interest element. I enjoyed learning details I didn’t know about the Jewish celebration of the Passover Seder.
There was a touch of crossword puzzle questions which I always find fun and Ms. Viguie adds humor through the dialogue too. There were a few inspirational tidbits but nothing preachy. I really liked the positive message the Rabbi shared to help deal with the deaths of friends and loved ones.
Although the name was familiar, I didn't initially recognize that this is an author I read and reviewed before: Kiss of Night. This was an easy, fast paced mystery and I would enjoy reading more in the series (and more by Ms. Viguie). I recommend this to readers who like a good mystery with warm characters.
This is a title from my Kindle library, free in 2010. It is one of the titles for my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sunday Post December 20, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 21, 2015
I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.
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 expected my week to be rather quiet but it turned out very busy with closing and appointments. But that is good for end of year finances.
Reading and listening was good though not speedy. I completed only one ebooks and one audio. I posted three reviews, a challenge completion and a challenge post for 2016. Plus I posted the usual memes.
I enjoyed visiting mid week but didn't get to as many as I wanted to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
- Book Review: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection by 12 authors; Christian & Historical Romance; my rating 4.25+.
- Audible Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld; Steampunk, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.5.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 18, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/24/2015.
- Book Review: Unclutter Your Life! How to Tame Your Mess, Calm Your Mind, Lighten your Load by Jen Williams; Nonfiction, Household; my rating 4.5.
- Sharing Beyond Books #232 Comment Giveaway December 19, 2015; Open Worldwide. Ends 12/26/15.
1. Audible
Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin
The Goon Squad, Book 2
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir, Nicholas Guy Smith
This was another fun listen. Review to post this week.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.
2. eBook/Kindle
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie
This is an excellent mystery.
Click on book title for full description.
The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries #1
by Debbie Viguie
This is an excellent mystery.
Click on book title for full description.
Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
Xenonauts: Crimson Dagger
by Lee Stephen (Author), Francois Cannels (Illustrator),
I am 30% in and enjoying the action and danger in this "X" title.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audible/MP3
Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail
Written by: Barbara Morgenroth
Narrated by: Jane M. Held
I think the cover pulled me into this fun story.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Jingles is a dog on the lam. He's met the perfect person and wants to stay with her forever, but his former owners have millions of reasons why that's impossible. After escaping from uncaring owners, Jingles discovers canine paradise with Sassy Collins and her Eat Dog Eat Gourmet Take-Out Dog Dinner Shop. Sassy is easy to love, and Jingles falls hard for her. So does the town police officer, Ethan Monroe. But Jingles is carrying a secret that could destroy their happy family before it even begins.
©2014 Barbara Morgenroth (P)2015 Barbara Morgenroth.
Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail
Written by: Barbara Morgenroth
Narrated by: Jane M. Held
I think the cover pulled me into this fun story.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Jingles is a dog on the lam. He's met the perfect person and wants to stay with her forever, but his former owners have millions of reasons why that's impossible. After escaping from uncaring owners, Jingles discovers canine paradise with Sassy Collins and her Eat Dog Eat Gourmet Take-Out Dog Dinner Shop. Sassy is easy to love, and Jingles falls hard for her. So does the town police officer, Ethan Monroe. But Jingles is carrying a secret that could destroy their happy family before it even begins.
©2014 Barbara Morgenroth (P)2015 Barbara Morgenroth.
3. eBook/Kindle
Fatal Judgment (Guardians of Justice Book #1): A Novel
by Irene Hannon
I have been eyeing this author.
This is from my TBR shelf - 2012.
It is the next to the last title for my TBR Pile Challenge.
U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.
As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.
Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment launches a thrilling series featuring three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice.
4. eBook/Kindle
You're Never too Old to Laugh:
A laugh-out-loud collection of cartoons,
quotes, jokes, and trivia on growing older
by Ed Fischer
This is from my TBR shelf 2012
and my "Y" title for Alphabet Soup Challenge.
INSPIRING QUOTES, JOKES, and
CARTOONS FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART!
Being "old" isn't what it used to be. Elders today are active, fun, and ready for something new. Stay young at heart with the wit, wisdom, and inspiration you'll find in this book by Ed Fischer.
It's time to be the new you.
Live it up.
Laugh often.
Love life like never before.
You're Never too Old to Laugh:
A laugh-out-loud collection of cartoons,
quotes, jokes, and trivia on growing older
by Ed Fischer
This is from my TBR shelf 2012
and my "Y" title for Alphabet Soup Challenge.
INSPIRING QUOTES, JOKES, and
CARTOONS FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART!
Being "old" isn't what it used to be. Elders today are active, fun, and ready for something new. Stay young at heart with the wit, wisdom, and inspiration you'll find in this book by Ed Fischer.
It's time to be the new you.
Live it up.
Laugh often.
Love life like never before.
October 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.
I posted three reviews last week which keeps me up to date.
I have read 10 of my 12 TBR Pile books; one to review this week and the last two to read and review.
I have the last of my Alphabet Soup Challenge to finish: "X", "Y" and "Z".
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received one audio review (2015) and four NetGalley selections - to be read for 2016.
I purchased two books at Audible on sale and one eBook at Amazon.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
I received two audio titles - one requested a week ago and one requested this week:
Jingles All the Way: A Christmas Tail
by Barbara Morgenroth
See the full description above under Current Reading.
Here are four more of the NetGalley titles I requested getting ready for 2016.
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
by Darynda Jones
(Releasing 1/12/2016); St. Martin's Press; Mystery & Thrillers
I usually listen to these so it will be interesting to see how I like the ebook.
by Eric R. Asher
(Released 12/1/2015); Red Coat PR; Sci Fi & Fantasy, Teens & YA
I'm not decided if I like this cover but the story sounds like fun.
Inquisitorby Mitchell Hogan
(Released 6/12/2015);
Mitchell Hogan; Sci Fi & Fantasy
This is a genre I am enjoying.
by Paige Shelton
(Releasing 3/29/16);
St. Martin's Press; Minotaur Books; Mystery & Thrillers
This cover I love - it drew me right in.
Won
NONE
Purchased
Audible still had books on sale and I was still lining up reading choices for 2016.The first was $3.65 and the second was $6.81 (or thereabouts); total $10.46.
I now have two Audible credits to use before the end of 2015.
Mystery Collectionby Pauline Baird Jones
This is an author I have enjoyed reading so I thought I would give this mystery collection a listen.
Purity In Death Book 15
by JD Robb
This way I'll have two in the series ready to listen to in 2016.
I purchased this Kindle title for $.99:
Dark of the Night (Random Heroes Collection)
Dee Davis
I love this series. I may have read this but it is not one in my print collection.
Free
Over the past week I only added 38 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.
Sunday Words of Encouragement December 20, 2015
We visited at our “second” local church today for the early service. The music was lovely and we are always pleasantly surprised that there are songs that are new to us…even Christmas songs.
The pastor gave a very good message on Symbols of Christmas. He noted that the season is full of symbols: lights, the Christmas Tree, ornaments, poinsettias, candles, even Christmas cards. There are symbols in scripture too. The primary one he focused on is the manger and surroundings of the new birth. (Matthew 1: 18-25.)
The Jewish people were looking for a king but a king is not readily accessible to everyone. Instead, God sent his son to be born in a manger, a feeding trough in a stable, to serve as simple reminder of what He has done for us. The baby was wrapped, not in robes, but in swaddling clothes. This is the first image of a savior who is available to all.
Shepherds usually are considered as “nobodies”. In the nativity story, the heavenly angles bring the message of the good news to these lowly people. Christmas music, full of joy, hope and telling of the story, reminds us that the gift of the baby of salvation is available to all.
The Angels also appeared with light in the darkness just as the baby brought light to a dark world. His light is available to all.
God loves the simple, common man, and seeks to rescue, redeem and restore, any who will believe and accept the gift of salvation He offers.
These are the verses for Peace and Light from:
A hymn for the lighting of the Advent candles
The Candle of Hope
LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!")
Copyright © 2015 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
The candle of peace shines bright with God's plan;
The wolf will lie down and dwell with the lamb.
Our guns and our weapons, our hatred and war,
Will give way to gardens that heal and restore.
…
The Christ candle's light that shines for us here
Tells out the good news that God has come near!
God came, a poor baby, in one time and place,
To show all creation the wealth of God's grace.
Verses for Today:
Matthew 1:21-25
"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
I am so very thankful that Jesus, our King and Savior, came as a humble baby to grow as a man so that he could die as the sacrifice to bridge the gap between heaven and earth.
The pastor gave a very good message on Symbols of Christmas. He noted that the season is full of symbols: lights, the Christmas Tree, ornaments, poinsettias, candles, even Christmas cards. There are symbols in scripture too. The primary one he focused on is the manger and surroundings of the new birth. (Matthew 1: 18-25.)
The Jewish people were looking for a king but a king is not readily accessible to everyone. Instead, God sent his son to be born in a manger, a feeding trough in a stable, to serve as simple reminder of what He has done for us. The baby was wrapped, not in robes, but in swaddling clothes. This is the first image of a savior who is available to all.
Shepherds usually are considered as “nobodies”. In the nativity story, the heavenly angles bring the message of the good news to these lowly people. Christmas music, full of joy, hope and telling of the story, reminds us that the gift of the baby of salvation is available to all.
The Angels also appeared with light in the darkness just as the baby brought light to a dark world. His light is available to all.
God loves the simple, common man, and seeks to rescue, redeem and restore, any who will believe and accept the gift of salvation He offers.
These are the verses for Peace and Light from:
A hymn for the lighting of the Advent candles
The Candle of Hope
LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!")
Copyright © 2015 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
The candle of peace shines bright with God's plan;
The wolf will lie down and dwell with the lamb.
Our guns and our weapons, our hatred and war,
Will give way to gardens that heal and restore.
…
The Christ candle's light that shines for us here
Tells out the good news that God has come near!
God came, a poor baby, in one time and place,
To show all creation the wealth of God's grace.
This is another song from our Christmas program last week. It fits with today's message.
This is a version I liked after watching many.
Who Would Imagine a King.
Who Would Imagine a King.
Verses for Today:
Matthew 1:21-25
"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
I am so very thankful that Jesus, our King and Savior, came as a humble baby to grow as a man so that he could die as the sacrifice to bridge the gap between heaven and earth.
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