Enjoy your day and Give Thanks!
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
#NetGalley Audiobook Review: A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney
I loved this charming little story.
Review:
Mama wants a brown eyed cow to have milk for the baby and for Papa’s tea. It is a winter day so Papa tells Samuel to ‘dress warm’ as he is going with Papa on the long journey to town to trade for the cow. Samuel uses his best manners while meeting strangers and helping Papa make decisions on the trades. There are items Papa likes, and some Samuel would like to keep, but they have to keep on trading to get the cow for Mama. And they must do it on “a long road on a short day”.
This is a very charming story even to listen to without the illustrations. There are good descriptions and interesting neighbors with trades to be made. This would be a lovely book to share with young children. I recommend this for children and parents to enjoy.
Audio Notes: Matt Godfrey does a really nice job with the narration. His voice is soothing as he shares the simple, direct text. I enjoyed the audio and I bet having the audio with the illustrated book would be wonderful.
A Long Road on a Short Day
by Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney
Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Matt Godfrey
![A Long Road on a Short Day by [Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney, Eugene Yelchin]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jBTjAh-NL.jpg)
Publisher Recorded Books, Inc. November 12, 2020
Genre: Children, Family, Farm Animals
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.
by Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney
Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Matt Godfrey
Genre: Children, Family, Farm Animals
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.
Review:
Mama wants a brown eyed cow to have milk for the baby and for Papa’s tea. It is a winter day so Papa tells Samuel to ‘dress warm’ as he is going with Papa on the long journey to town to trade for the cow. Samuel uses his best manners while meeting strangers and helping Papa make decisions on the trades. There are items Papa likes, and some Samuel would like to keep, but they have to keep on trading to get the cow for Mama. And they must do it on “a long road on a short day”.
This is a very charming story even to listen to without the illustrations. There are good descriptions and interesting neighbors with trades to be made. This would be a lovely book to share with young children. I recommend this for children and parents to enjoy.
Audio Notes: Matt Godfrey does a really nice job with the narration. His voice is soothing as he shares the simple, direct text. I enjoyed the audio and I bet having the audio with the illustrated book would be wonderful.
Source: 2020 NetGalley Audio. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
#NetGalley Audiobook Review: Cover Your Tracks by Daco Auffenorde
This is a good psychological suspense.
Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Psychological Thrillers
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Publisher's Summary
Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.
When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and that threaten to destroy them. ©2020 Daco Auffenorde (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC
Review:
Margo, an ER doctor, is eight months pregnant but has an important reason to travel to her childhood home. She had struggles with family as a young woman and hopes this visit may be a time for reconciliation. As the train travels through the Rockies a blizzard brings an avalanche threatening the train.
Rejecting the conductor’s orders to remain seated, Nick, a former Army Ranger, insists that the passengers must move to the back of the train to survive. Margo is the only one to listen and they are the only survivors when the train is caught in the avalanche.
Margo rushed off without even her purse or phone, although it is unlikely there would be cell service. The pair are stranded with no rescue expected soon. Nick seems to have a plan for shelter and survival and Margo has little choice but to follow. Although Nick is reticent about his own past and plans, he seems to want to help Margo and protect her unborn child.
Nick helps fend off wild animals, provides game for food and finds alternate shelter. But as the days pass with more storm and no apparent effort to get to civilization, Margo becomes more stressed and concerned. Margo has secrets from her past but hers may not be as strange and intense as Nick’s secrets.
I was impressed with the tense and chilling (not cold, but fearful) atmosphere that the author creates. The story is told with flashbacks to develop the damaged and determined characters. There are hints of issues in the personalities and it was interesting to see how these played out. I suspected trouble and was gripped as the past history was revealed and the collision course of the characters explained. I recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers.
Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a fairly good job with the narration. She made an effort to provide distinct voices although it seemed a bit of a strain to get the male voices. Still I appreciated that she conveyed the chilling tone of the story and the story moved quickly for me as an audio presentation.
Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Psychological Thrillers
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Publisher's Summary
Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.
When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and that threaten to destroy them. ©2020 Daco Auffenorde (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC
Review:
Margo, an ER doctor, is eight months pregnant but has an important reason to travel to her childhood home. She had struggles with family as a young woman and hopes this visit may be a time for reconciliation. As the train travels through the Rockies a blizzard brings an avalanche threatening the train.
Rejecting the conductor’s orders to remain seated, Nick, a former Army Ranger, insists that the passengers must move to the back of the train to survive. Margo is the only one to listen and they are the only survivors when the train is caught in the avalanche.
Margo rushed off without even her purse or phone, although it is unlikely there would be cell service. The pair are stranded with no rescue expected soon. Nick seems to have a plan for shelter and survival and Margo has little choice but to follow. Although Nick is reticent about his own past and plans, he seems to want to help Margo and protect her unborn child.
Nick helps fend off wild animals, provides game for food and finds alternate shelter. But as the days pass with more storm and no apparent effort to get to civilization, Margo becomes more stressed and concerned. Margo has secrets from her past but hers may not be as strange and intense as Nick’s secrets.
I was impressed with the tense and chilling (not cold, but fearful) atmosphere that the author creates. The story is told with flashbacks to develop the damaged and determined characters. There are hints of issues in the personalities and it was interesting to see how these played out. I suspected trouble and was gripped as the past history was revealed and the collision course of the characters explained. I recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers.
Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a fairly good job with the narration. She made an effort to provide distinct voices although it seemed a bit of a strain to get the male voices. Still I appreciated that she conveyed the chilling tone of the story and the story moved quickly for me as an audio presentation.
(I saw this at Book Reviews by Linda Moore through Mailbox Monday.)
Source: Received from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.
Source: Received from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Sunday Post November 22, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 23, 2020
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.
Staff training is continuing this week.
I wrapped up two probates and one litigation file but will open new files this week.There is a big bunny I spot about once a week but he is too fast to get a picture of.
This morning I share a picture of my Friday morning breakfast surprise - homemade sticky buns. (Hubby ignores that I need to lose weight but he is sooo sweet to make me breakfasts: Saturday was waffles and this morning oatmeal.)
Temps are a bit warmer this week from 79 high to 54 low.
I visited only 14 blogs last week. I hope to do better this week.
Shout Out this week to Fundimental. Sherry says she blogs because: "I want to be able to share my love of books and help people when they are looking for their next book." (It sounds like she doesn't live too many hours from me in the Florida Panhandle.)
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:
- NG2020- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn; Genre: Christian, Christmas Romance, Holiday, Military Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 20, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/26/2020.
- NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas, Three Stories by Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace, and Scarlett Dunn; Genre: American Historical Romance, Christmas, Western; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
1. Audio/Smartphone (NG2020)
Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
This is a good psychological suspense.
Source: Received from NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audio/Smartphone (NG2020)
A Long Road on a Short Day
by Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney, Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)
This is a charming little story.
Source: 2020 NetGalley Audio.
A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.
3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Wool
Silo, #1; Wool, #1-5
By: Hugh Howey
Narrated by: Amanda Sayle
Series: The Silo Saga, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
I enjoyed this creative dystopian sci fi. (For #SciFi Month.)
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel
Written By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated By: Robynn Rodriguez
Duration: 5 hours 54 minutes
This multiple Christmas romances story is moving quickly.
Source: 2019 Audiobooks.com sale $3.99.
Summary:
The beloved characters Shelley Shepard Gray created for her bestselling Seasons of Sugarcreek series are back in Christmas in Sugarcreek—a heartwarming story of the magic of Christmastime and the blossoming of an unlikely love in a close-knit Amish community. Obedient daughter Judith Graber finds herself becoming uncomfortably enamored of the help her father has hired to assist in the store during the holidays: Ben Knox, as scandalous a bad boy as they come in staid and quiet Sugarcreek. Author of the immensely popular Sisters of the Heart novels, Shelley Shepard Gray is one of the true masters of Amish inspirational fiction, and Christmas in Sugarcreek is a delightful holiday treat for all lovers of Christian romance—especially fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall.
Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Christmas Seasons of Sugarcreek Novel
Written By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated By: Robynn Rodriguez
Duration: 5 hours 54 minutes
This multiple Christmas romances story is moving quickly.
Source: 2019 Audiobooks.com sale $3.99.
Summary:
The beloved characters Shelley Shepard Gray created for her bestselling Seasons of Sugarcreek series are back in Christmas in Sugarcreek—a heartwarming story of the magic of Christmastime and the blossoming of an unlikely love in a close-knit Amish community. Obedient daughter Judith Graber finds herself becoming uncomfortably enamored of the help her father has hired to assist in the store during the holidays: Ben Knox, as scandalous a bad boy as they come in staid and quiet Sugarcreek. Author of the immensely popular Sisters of the Heart novels, Shelley Shepard Gray is one of the true masters of Amish inspirational fiction, and Christmas in Sugarcreek is a delightful holiday treat for all lovers of Christian romance—especially fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall.
2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Stars My Destination
By: Alfred Bester
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 12-05-17
I am fitting this in for Vintage Sci Fi.
Source: 6/12/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
Marooned in outer space after an attack on his ship, Nomad, Gulliver Foyle lives to obsessively pursue the crew of a rescue vessel that had intended to leave him to die.
When it comes to pop culture, Alfred Bester (1913-1987) is something of an unsung hero. He wrote radio scripts, screenplays, and comic books (in which capacity he created the original Green Lantern Oath). But Bester is best known for his science fiction novels, and The Stars My Destination may be his finest creation. With its sly potshotting at corporate skullduggery, The Stars My Destination seems utterly contemporary, and has maintained its status as an underground classic for over 50 years.
©1956 Alfred Bester; copyright renewed 1984 by Alfred Bester; special restored text of this edition copyright 1996 by the Estate of Alfred Bester; Introduction copyright 1996 by Neil Gaiman (P)2017 Tantor.
3. Print (Author2020)
The Prepared Investor: How to Prevent the Next Crisis from Affecting Your Financial Independence
by Christopher Manske
I am making good progress and plan to finish this week.
Source: I was pleased when the author offered this for my review.
Click on book title for full description.
The Prepared Investor: How to Prevent the Next Crisis from Affecting Your Financial Independence
by Christopher Manske
I am making good progress and plan to finish this week.
Source: I was pleased when the author offered this for my review.
Click on book title for full description.
I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. These are the letters that remain:
NETGALLEY:
AUDIO: X and
November 22, 2020 - I continue enjoying reading first thing each morning, even this week while away.
I am still 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 will finish my third Thanksgiving study tonight: The Blessing Devotional Plan by Kari Jobe.
I've really liked it! I'm not sure which I will start next.
I completed three books, posted two reviews and I remain up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three remaining titles from 2012-13 which I
I have added no new author review titles this week. I still have one carry over author ebook left in my queue. (Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
I am looking at more NetGalley but didn't get any yet.
Someday I'll check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I bought two audios at Chirp and 2 for 1 with a credit at Audiobooks.com.
Eighteen free Kindle titles this week (several were history as I hit one and it lead to others).
(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
I am looking at NetGalley titles - have three in mind.
Won
NONE
Purchased
Two titles from Chirp for $.99 each; both new to me authors.
Written by Misty M. Beller
Narrated by Leonor A Woodworth
Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com; one new to me author.
A Stranger's Secret
Written By: Laurie Alice Eakes
Narrated By: Laura Kirman
A Stranger's Secret
Written By: Laurie Alice Eakes
Narrated By: Laura Kirman
Free
Eighteen free Kindle titles this week. 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 November 22, 2020
Another online Sunday through Vemo and Facebook. Out Pastors continued the message series “Shattered”. Our Youth Pastor shared first and then our Pastor wrapped up the service.
We live in a world that has sin. But God provided redemption through the sacrificial death of Christ.
If a phone falls it may be fine or it may be shattered. Sometimes it is just cracked which doesn’t need to be replaced. But if it is shattered, it no longer works for the purpose intended. In Romans 5:12-19 Paul makes a contrast between Adam’s fall bringing condemnation; through one man came sin. But through the of obedience of one man, Christ Jesus, we receive grace and redemption.
As the recipients of grace, redemption and eternal life, believers should be living a life of Thankfulness. It is more than just saying this. It is changing your life.
Are we holding on to our complaints? Would you give up whatever He asks you to in order to serve Him?
Romans 5:18-19 (NIV)
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
Lord - I love being Thankful for all You have given me -- from creation, birth, blessings and redemption!
We live in a world that has sin. But God provided redemption through the sacrificial death of Christ.
If a phone falls it may be fine or it may be shattered. Sometimes it is just cracked which doesn’t need to be replaced. But if it is shattered, it no longer works for the purpose intended. In Romans 5:12-19 Paul makes a contrast between Adam’s fall bringing condemnation; through one man came sin. But through the of obedience of one man, Christ Jesus, we receive grace and redemption.
As the recipients of grace, redemption and eternal life, believers should be living a life of Thankfulness. It is more than just saying this. It is changing your life.
1. Transforming your mind through the things of God, not the things of the world. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. Give Thanks! Psalm 100:4 Give Thanks!Meditating on the Word helps to transform your mind. This expands your ability to live a life of Thankfulness.
Numbers 11 tells of some people who weren’t truly thankful. They complained and their complaints displeased the Lord. That thought of displeasing the Lord, should make our hearts hurt. Moses interceded, God showed mercy but they complained again! Their minds were not yet transformed.
2. Meditating on the Bible. God will reveal things if you spend time studying His Word.
Are we holding on to our complaints? Would you give up whatever He asks you to in order to serve Him?
This is a song encouraging giving thanks to the "one who takes care of all things".
Verses for Today:Romans 5:18-19 (NIV)
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
Lord - I love being Thankful for all You have given me -- from creation, birth, blessings and redemption!
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