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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Book Review: Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery) by Anya Wylde

This is a truly fun romp!
Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery): A Laugh Out Loud Cozy Mystery
by Anya Wylde
51936167. sy475
File Size: 576 KB
Print Length: 208 pages
Publication Date: February 28, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Regency, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.


The gossip columns can talk of nothing else, and even the Regent is intrigued. The murder of Lord Beazley at Gopshall Manor has caused a sensation, and the fact that two sweet governesses could have done it has further tickled the nations bloodthirsty soul. Lucy Anne Trotter, who stands accused, steals a horse and hurtles off to convince the only man in the country who can save her bacon— the national hero and the most handsome man in England, Lord William Hartell Adair. With him by her side, she sets out to discover the Gopshall family’s secrets and the murderer. In true Anya Wylde style, plenty of madness, kisses and burning breeches make an appearance. It’s a carriage ride not to be missed.


Review:
Sweet Lucy Anne Trotter has been struggling as a governess of five unruly children at Gopshall Manor. When a visiting Lord is found murdered, Lucy becomes the first suspect. Lucy steals a horse and pushes through a snowstorm to reach the one man she knows who can help, Lord Adair. Lucy has previously helped Adair solve one murder in a home where she was serving (Murder at Rudhall Manor). Most women stumble over themselves or faint at the sight of the most handsome Lord Adair. Lucy isn’t awed by Adair as she doesn’t have any misguided thoughts that he could find her interesting. Lucy just knows Adair is a national hero who knows how to solve crimes. Lord Adair has taken a special interest in protecting Lucy but that doesn’t mean he wants to take her on as an assistant.

Lord Adair tells Lucy to suspect everyone. Initially, she doesn’t even trust the other sweet governess, Jane. Jane is watching the children of the manor’s younger son, Lord Claybrook, with whom she has been developing a warm relationship. It is easy to try to blame the crime on the two outsider governesses but soon they team up to help investigate in the hope of saving their own necks. Impulsive, looney Lucy rubs off a bit on quiet Jane who gets bold enough to follow suspects and sneak into rooms. The pair begin to uncover clues but they are putting themselves in danger as they proceed.

The zaniness of Ms. Lucy and the exaggerated regency setting are such fun. I enjoy Lucy’s antics and her relationship with Lord Adair. The romance between Jane and Lord Claybrook added a side element. There are other interesting (and appalling characters) with varied motives. Some have alibis that can be confirmed… or not.

There are a few editing errors so my rating isn't a full 5 star. I recommend this author for quick, fun reading and I recommend this story as a clear, delightful romp.

Source: Supplied by Author 2020. This qualifies for 2020 Author Review goal.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

#NetGalley Book Review: #The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

I found this to be delightfully different and very engaging.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
File Size: 5364 KB
Print Length: 160 pages
Publisher: Tor.com (June 23, 2020)
ASIN: B07WPNGGGB
Genre: Action and Adventure, Asian Myth, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.


Zen Cho returns with The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history.
A bandit walks into a coffeehouse, and it all goes downhill from there. Guet Imm, a young votary of the Order of the Pure Moon, joins up with an eclectic group of thieves (whether they like it or not) in order to protect a sacred object, and finds herself in a far more complicated situation than she could have ever imagined.


Review:
Guet Imm is a young votary (like a nun) who has taken work at a tavern after her temple home was raided and burned. A group of thieves, who consider themselves more than bandits, stops in the tavern and one of their group, Tet Sang, can’t help but interfere when Guet is abused by a customer. After the ensuing brawl, Guet attaches herself to the band of misfits insisting that she has nowhere else to go. Tet tries to discourage Guet as the band is on a mission to deliver certain booty to a buyer in another town. They will have to dodge gangs of bandits as well as military troops along the way.

Guet manages to put off any sexual advances by an explicit threat of retribution. Even though she is a bit of a nuisance, and not particularly skilled, Guet begins to endear herself to the rough band. Eventually, she discovers secrets and interferes with the plans of thieves. Dangers are narrowly escaped and, while Guet is trying to make amends, more secrets are revealed.

I was not familiar with “wuxia fantasy” which apparently means ‘martial-arts chivalry or martial arts heroes’. I totally enjoyed the story, even with its few risqué elements. The characters, especially Guet and Tet, are well developed and the relationships and dialog are entertaining and humorous. There is an unexpected delightful mix of adventure, wit, charm, and magic. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, Asian adventure.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Sunday Post July 19, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 20, 2020

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.


Fortunately, I didn't have to work online as consistently last week. I continued with a few days of swimming with the grandchildren and playing games in the evening.
Here the children are after the eldest made up an impromptu play: Two Princesses and the Monster (who became friends).
Our d-i-l returned home on Tuesday morning but the fever returned by Thursday. We delayed leaving Thursday and almost delayed again on Friday but I needed to be back for court hearings this week. Unfortunately, our d-i-l was sent back to the hospital to deal with the infection in the leg wound (where skin and nerve graft were taken). Please pray for her healing and for patience for our son. The church, school, and service families have provided wonderful support with dinners almost every night. But our son will need to call on them to help watch the children on and off.


We had a pretty tough drive home. Rainstorms the first day and stop and go interstate travel from Birmingham to Montgomery, AL the second day. I had a pinched neck so couldn't help drive the second day.


I finished three books - two audios and one ebook. I posted two reviews (I was just too tired Saturday night to do the third review) and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Shooting Stars Mags. Lauren has been blogging since 2007 with focus largely on books "with an emphasis on Young Adult".

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- #Audio Book Review: Termination Dust by Alana Terry; Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author2020)
51936167. sy475


Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery): A Laugh Out Loud Cozy Mystery
by Anya Wylde
This is a truly fun romp!
Source: Supplied by Author 2020.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Bomb Squad audiobook cover art


The Bomb Squad
Clash of the Patriots
By: Neil Perry Gordon
Narrated by: Frank Block
Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
Interesting intrigue mixed with romance.
Source: 6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author.



3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Conflicted Home audiobook cover art


Conflicted Home
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 04-10-18
It was time for a TBR in a continuing (for me) series.
Source: 7/16/19 Audible 2nd June Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The only possible thing that could make Morgan's world even more difficult happened. The Japanese fleet off the coast of California was wiped out. An even that Morgan and friends and family only knew about because of the radio broadcasts from the Radio Free Redoubt. So far removed from them it barely warranted notice. That is until the Chinese retaliated by launching a nuclear counter-strike against Mac Dill Air Force base. This, did warrant their attention and had the potential to profoundly impact their lives.
As bad as the fear of nuclear fallout was, it wasn't the only threat still haunting northern Lake county. With proof the Russians had pathfinder units on the ground, at a minimum, in the state and discovery of Cuban forces cooperating with them, something had to be done. After encountering armored units and realizing they were ill equipped to deal with the threat, the old man called for help. The call was answered, but would require a near impossible trip by truck to Eglin Air Force base. America was certainly on the ropes, but she wasn't down yet.
All Morgan wants to do is protect his family and friends. To restore a normal sense of life. To see to it Mel and his girls are safe and protected. He doesn't want to get involved in these military actions. He's more focused on trying to restore power to town. But his desires are, to use a military term, overtaken by circumstances, and, once again, Morgan and his friends are compelled to get involved. And this time, it will cost them.
©2017 A. American (P)2018 Podium Publishing



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
44280977


The Queen Bee and Me
Gillian McDunn
Release date March 3, 2020.
This is an interesting MG book.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Written in Red
    A Novel of the Others
   
        By: Anne Bishop
       Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
     Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
    4,584 ratings
    Overall 4.5


Written in Red
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 03-05-13
I decided it was time to try this new-to-me series. I am a couple of hours in and enjoying it.
Source: 4/28/19 Audible Whisper Sync title for $7.95 less $5.00 Credit so it cost me only $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
No one creates realms like New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities - vampires and shape-shifters among them - who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.
As Cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
©2013 Anne Bishop (P)2013 Penguin Audio



3. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
18685735


The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith
I like shapeshifters and
this sounds like a story I will like.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019.
A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The debut novel from the multi-award winning author that Library Journal describes as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.



I might get to another audio this week but, again, I'll decide when I get to that point.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: C  D  E G  H  K  L  M  P  Q  R  S  T  U  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  U  W X  Y  Z

July 19, 2020 - I got a bit behind this week with my schedule different. I plan to catch up this week. I need to be in the word every day. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I plan to pick a new study this week.


I completed three books and posted two reviews. I am one review behind and have a total of four this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 2, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. I still have one carry over author ebook and two one new author ebook. I have two audiobooks from authors. I feel good getting caught up on these books.
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: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No new review books.

I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up July free VIP and 2 for 1 credit at Audiobooks.com. I also borrowed the week 11 SYNC audio titles. 
I only added 1 free Kindle title this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE

Won
NONE

Purchased
Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com
Watership Down, Richard AdamsWatership Down
By Richard Adams
Narrated By: Peter Capaldi
Duration: 17 h 32 min
I haven't read this in years. Our son had this on video but I only got to watch the first hour.


Sky Song, Abi ElphinstoneSky Song
By Abi Elphinstone
Narrated By: Nicky Diss
Duration: 7 h 7 min



Free
I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 12.
July 16 – July 22
FAKE by Eric Simonson, narrated by Kate Arrington, Coburn Goss, Francis Guinan, Alan Wilder, Larry Yando (L.A. Theatre Works)
NEW YORK 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson, narrated by Suzanne Toren, Robin Miles, Peter Ganim, Jay Snyder, Caitlin Kelly, Michael Crouch, Ryan Vincent Anderson, Christopher Ryan Grant, and Robert Blumenfeld (Hachette Audio)

Free VIP Pick from Audiobooks.com
Mossflower, Brian JacquesMossflower
By Brian Jacques
Narrated By: A Full Cast, Brian Jacques
Duration: 11 h 46 min
This is another classic that I thought would be good to try.


I picked up only 1 free Kindle title this week.  I saw this at An Imperfect Christian Mom:
The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity: Book 2 of the Time Hunters Saga
Carl Ashmore, Andrew Gaia
Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 19, 2020


Our church celebrated Communion this morning after worshipping with Calvary Covers It All. Then pastor continued his sermon series, Resolute Road, with Romans 2.

Parents see the difference in the personalities of their children. Once they complete school how will they proceed in life? Have we prepared them?

We believe that opportunity is equal, but the outcome is different depending on whether we accept Christ or reject Him. God is resolute in showing us His love. Romans 2. God's kindness is to save you from your sin.

Romans 2 is a diatribe in the Hellenistic debate style. Paul debates with himself. Some people have a hard time accepting a loving God when they don't know a kind, loving father. But can we judge others when we do the same behaviors? All of us will be judged.
"But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed." Romans 2:5.

There will be trouble for those who do evil and wickedness.
Are we doing right?
Paul gives an “X” shaped argument.
First: God shows no favorites.
Second: God gives life to those who do good.
Third: There is death for those who do bad.
Fourth: Recap – Summary showing God’s Grace.

This is not to say that we can keep the law by our own efforts. Only through God’s grace and our faith is there salvation. God has to see us through the filter of His son -- Christ as our intermediary,  sacrifice and payment for our sin.
There is coming a day of anger. Do you remember (or have you ever seen) the 1972 film A Thief In the Night?

During a pandemic, if people are dying at a greater rate, shouldn't we be pursuing them for Christ at a greater rate? All people are equal before God. All will face judgment. A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. We each need a Heart change.

The point: Heart change produced by the Holy Spirit makes us right with God.

How is it possible to come into the presence of God and stay the same?
Is your heart continually being changed?
God never said keep yourself safe. He sent His followers into a hostile world.
We need to be thankful for the challenge to go out.
Pray for your heart to be changed each day.

Today’s song is Change This Heart
Verses for Today:
Romans 2:13-15 and 28-29 (NIV)
13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.




Friday, July 17, 2020

Audible Book Review: Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi

This fun story made me think of Star Trek, Galaxy Quest, and The Thirteenth Floor.
Redshirts
A Novel with Three Codas
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Redshirts audiobook cover art
Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-05-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Exploration
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.


Publisher's Summary
Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.
Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.
©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Ensign Andrew Dahl is happy to be assigned to the Intrepid, the flagship of the space fleet in 2456. Andrew is put through a strange test with the ‘Box” to save Lieutenant Kerenesky. As he leaves the bridge, having saved the day, Andrew is surprised when he is confronted by a strange hairy wraith who appears out of the shadows. “Stay off the bridge. Avoid the narrative.” he is warned. Soon Andrew begins to question what is going on as he recognizes that every away mission results in the death of one of the new, lowly crewmembers while the captain, chief science officer, and handsome Lieutenant Kerensky survive the alien confrontations and heal quickly.

Andrew realizes that he and the other four new crewmembers are at risk of being expendable. In pursuit of what is going on, Andrew seeks out the hairy man who warned him. The hiding crewmember presents a wild theory that seems to play out in the next away mission. Andrew, his friends, and the mysterious wraith decide on an equally wild plan to save their lives. This plan will take them back in the past to approach the men they think can help change the pattern of events.

The story has a Star Trek ring to it but if you are familiar with Galaxy Quest (or The Truman Story), you can guess where the search of the ‘narrative’ takes Andrew. Is he in control of his own fate or is someone else controlling the events that will ultimately lead to his death? How deeply does the control run? The story is told in the third person, past tense, from Andrew’s point of view. There is a twist near the end of the book and as a conclusion, the author throws in a little bonus with three codas: in first person, a second person, and a third person view.

I enjoy the Old Man’s War series by Scalzi a bit more than this, but this is a quick, fun sci-fi filled with appropriate sci-fi irony. I recommend this to fans of easy, ironic sci-fi spoofs.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton is paired successfully with Scalzi’s snide humor. He delivers the characters with distinct voices and energy. His narration works to put me into the story. I am always happy to listen to this narrator.

8/4/19 Audible Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

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