Sunday Post October 28, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 29, 2018

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.

We have spent 18 days living on generators after Hurricane Michael hit on 10/10. We were blessed to have a generator system that my husband installed a few years ago to run the well system and refrigerators. We lived in the RV which had its own generator and propane for hot water. Our power was restored 10/28. I will post some pictures showing our experience a little later this week.
This post was ready this morning but I had to meet the adjusters at my office early. That news isn't good as they determined there is structural damage and use of the office may be limited until a structural engineer gives us further news.
Later today our internet was off again. I think (hope) they were working on the lines. I hope this will post as sites are not opening again at this time. 

My reading and listening was up since I had spare time while dragging tree limbs and going to bed early. I finished 18 books in three weeks: ten audio books and  eight ebooks. I only had one review posted before the storm hit and of course I couldn't post my usual memes.

No blogs visited over the past few weeks and no shout out this week.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 7, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 8, 2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock; Historical Romance, Victorian, Western; my rating: Overall 4.25 of 5.0; Narration: 4.25 of 5.0.

• MBS September 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

Hurricane Michael hit our county 10/10/2018.

• (10/19/2018) I Am Well But With Very Limited Power and Internet.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 28, 2018.

Finished Reading:
Finished by Sunday 10/14
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Once Upon a Heartbreak
by Cassie Rocca
Read 10/4-9. This is a cute story although a little annoying at times.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

(Counted as two books)
The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon, Extinction Edge, and Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle, Books 2 - 3)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I finished Book 2 10/8-10 and listened to Book 3 as part of my Fraterfest list of books 10/11-13.
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
Click on book title for full description.

10/11-16 READ FOR FRATERFEST (even though I didn't get to participate officially as I was off internet).
3. TBR2012 Haunted by Willow Cross (30pgs) 10/11





4. TBR2012 Island Ghosts: A Will Castleon Adventure by David Bain (30pgs) 10/12

5. TBR2012 Lilah’s Ghost by Deb Logan (18pgs) 10/12

6. TBR2011 A Walk in the Woods: A Horror Short Story by Rebecca M. Senese (9pgs) 10/13





7. A2018 Where Wolves Run by Jason Parent (1hr 55min) 10/13
8. A2018 First Death by AD Starling (44min) 10/14

Finished by Sunday 10/21

10/15-16 READ FOR FRATERFEST (unofficially as I was off internet).
1. A2018 The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson (8hrs 53min) 10/15-16

2. TBR2012 Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts (Ten Tales Fantasy & Horror Stories) by Tracie McBride (Author), William Meikle (Author), Douglas Kolacki (Author), & 6 more (87pgs) 10/15-16

3. ATBR2017 The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna (4hrs 36min) 10/17-19

4. eBook/Kindle (TBR Ladies Book Club)

The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series)
by Mr. Austin W Boyd
10-7-16. We didn't get to meet for Ladies Book Club meeting 10/13, so we will discuss this in November.
Source: Print books picked up prior to 2017. eBook picked up on sale 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

5. ATBR2017 The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi 10/19-21

Finished by Sunday 10/28
1. A2018 The Ghost and the Graveyard, Knight Games, Book 1 by Genevieve Jack (8hrs 35min) 10/22-23

2. NG2018 Unwritten by Tara Gilboy 10/17-23


3. CATBR2017(Christian Audio) Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1) by Ruth Logan Herne (4hrs 56min) 10/24-27



4. ATBR2017 The Hospital, The FREE Short Story: The First Mountain Man Story, by Keith C. Blackmore (1hr 37 min) 10/27

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Smartphone (NG2018)

Light’s Dawn: A Novella (Light in the Darkness)
by Yvette Bostic 
10/21- ___ Source: NetGalley
Mikel, a young merchant with the East India Trading Company, always considered fortune to be his mistress...until the Amboyan Massacre. The Dutch spare his life, but he’s forced into the deep jungles of South America to act as bait for a hidden menace picking off their scouts one by one. It works all too well: a demonic horde, drawn into the open, annihilates the entire Dutch battalion, leaving Mikel running for his life.
As he flees from the grisly battlefield, he falls in with the only other survivor of the demon attack, a Portuguese army scout named Raphael. Together, they scramble to escape the dangers of an impenetrable jungle, the pursuing demons, and their masters, a shadowy group of cultists intent on destroying the world.
Exhausted and disoriented, Mikel and Raphael are drawn to a mysterious stranger. But his gifts come with a choice: accept their destiny to fight against the darkness or allow it to consume humanity.
Light's Dawn is a stand-alone prequel to the Light in the Darkness historical fantasy series.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

For Us Humans: A Tale of Alien Occupation 
by Steve Rzasa 
10/24- ___ Source: NetGalley

Caz Fortel is a great liar. In fact, he's a professional.

It's his job to lie to people who steal works of art, and to get the goods back. But when Caz gets the big call from the FBI—a million bucks to recover a stolen statue of significant cultural value—it comes with a downside. His assigned partner has more of an interest in Jesus than Caz is comfortable with. Oh, and he’s an alien with four arms and a tremendous sense of smell.

When aliens showed up fifteen years ago, Earth cut a deal to join the Panstellar Consociation as a protectorate, allowing their new neighbors to set up a warp tunnel in orbit, in exchange for advanced tech secrets. Now Caz is caught up in the retrieval of their missing statue, and they want the mission kept quiet.

Or Earth could be in very, very big trouble.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

In the After
By: Demitria Lunetta
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Source: June/July 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. 10/28- ____
Publisher's Summary
Attack.
Not isolated.
Fate of Americans: unknown.
Amy is watching TV when the world is attacked by Them. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to survive - and even rescue "Baby" - a toddler she finds in an abandoned supermarket.
Then, after years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream, with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she'll lose Baby - and much more.
You'll tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta.
©2013 Demitria Lunetta (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

October 28, 2018 - I am still up to date and enjoying my Bible reading through You Version App.  I am on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed all those books and posted NO reviews. That puts me at many reviews to post! At least I was able to prepare several while offline.
Obviously I have all of these reviews to add to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible so I am way behind again. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 7. I still have one author title in queue. Still many 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.
I have no new review titles.
I picked up several Audible Daily Deals plus some credit picks. I did get a couple of credits because I have had trouble participating in the sales.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I picked up a few free kindle titles through my phone internet when we were near internet. (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

10/29/18 Audible Daily Deal $4.95
The Girl with All the Gifts
By: M. R. Carey
Narrated by: Finty Williams
Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 06-10-14


10-24-18 Daily Deal ($5.95 less $5.05 credit) $0.90

Agincourt
By: Bernard Cornwell

10-18-18 1 Credit
The Mapmaker's Apprentice
By: C. J. Archer

10-18-18 1 Credit
Exile
By: Glynn Stewart

10-18-18 1 Credit
Hecate
By: J. B. Rockwell

10-13-18 Daily Deal $4.95 with $5.00 credit) $0.00

Space Knight
By: Michael-Scott Earle

Free

I received this from Pelican Book Group while I was away in Illinois but I forgot to list it. It sounds like fun reading.
Preserving Liberty: Pure Amore: Sweet Romance, Pure Enjoyment
by Candice Sue Patterson





10/29/2018 Free Audible Original

Lullaby
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 37 mins
Release date: 10-04-18

I added 68 free titles to my Kindle library over the past three weeks. 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 October 28, 2018

We started this morning in our RV getting ready for church with the aid of the generators. We arrived home from church to discover we have power again! We praise the Lord. We still don't have power at the church but we meet with generator, sharing needs, worshipping and praying.

Pastor's sermon addressed Life with Discomfort or Need.
We all suffer through trouble, illness or problems. Often, we learn to adjust. We adjust our expectations,; accepting a "new normal". (This hits home as the doctors have repeatedly told him that his health difficulties are his "new normal". The message was based on John 5:1-8. This scripture tells about the pool of Bethesda which people believe had healing power if a person could step into the waters at the right time of stirring. There was a man with a long time illness; a 38 year invalid. Jesus asked only one question: "Do you want to get well?" Instead of a yes or no, the man claimed: 'I have no one to help me into the pool.' But one moment with Jesus changes everything.

Sometimes we have adjusted to our situation and may not really seek help to change. Jesus can still change lives in a moment. Sometimes he changes our lives and sometimes he leaves us in a situation when He wants us to keep seeking Him.
What are you carrying that you can release to God?
There are at least three reactions to problems:
1. When people are Discouraged makes it more difficult for them to become encouraged. Help is needed - from others or Jesus.
2. Sometimes people Blame someone or something else rather than accepting responsibility for their circumstances.
3. A third choice is to Tolerate and Accept the new normal. This is a dangerous place to be.
Clearly attitude matters.

Do you want to get well? What pool are you waiting for? Or are you willing to seek help from God?
Earthly resources are secondary to a moment with Jesus. A series of moments can create momentum!

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Pastor mentioned this old hymn: Just a Little Talk With Jesus.

John 5:8-9 (NIV)
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

I pray that I may always be willing to accept help from Jesus!

I Am Well But With Very Limited Power and Internet

Hi to all my blogger friends.
I have been hoping to get on internet to let you know that my family and I are all fine after Hurricane Michael tore through last Wednesday 10/10. We had three trees fall on our house putting small holes in the roof. Only one caused ceiling damage in a guest bedroom. There are ceiling water stains in three other rooms.

Our son-in-law's car was crushed by a tree across the midsection. It is totaled. My car was hit by one tree knocking out the rear windshield and another smashing the roof, front windshield and passenger front fender. The insurance adjuster has indicated it will be declared totaled. :-( We are waiting to learn how much they value it at so we can then look for a new used car for me. My husband's jeep also took damage with a busted out rear passenger window. That is repairable and fortunately left us a vehicle to drive.

Our yard looked like a war zone after the winds either blew over, tore from the ground or broke about 90% of the trees in the yard and surrounding woods. Our son-in-law, two of his brothers and a friend were able to remove the trees from our roof and clear out our driveways within three days. It took two days for neighbors to clear our private community road so we could get out to a main road and others could get in. Out of 17 homes in our community only three did not have roof damage. Some had trees through portions of their houses and one had a tree down the center of the home!

My office building was also damaged with brick falling from a fake second story facade and a couple of small windows broken. Water damaged has caused about six ceiling panels to fall in the front room. All equipment had been moved to an interior room so it was untouched. I have been trying to get someone up on the roof to access the condition and cover it with a tarp if needed. I will try again tomorrow. Two offices to the east of mine took terrible damage, more severe than mine.

Our town was hit very hard with trees and powerlines down throughout the county. The responders and volunteers have worked hard getting streets cleared and the main traffic lights operating. We are still on curfew from 7pm to 7am and they are saying that some of us may not have power for 30 days.

Our RV was under a large metal garage cover and it suffered no damage so, unlike most people, we have had generator power and water since the storm. My husband's water treatment center for the house was in a shed that was crushed. Fortunately he was able to re-route the water lines and get water back to the house within two days. We have a generator which my husband had connected to run the refrigerators, the TV and the corner light where I work on my computer. We were running short of propane and gas fuel for the generators but were able to get out on Monday 10/16 to refill the fuel so we should be good for another week.

Our duaghter's home and second office are located in Panama City Beach. They were on the west side of the hurricane and suffered NO damage - just power outage for a week. Heather was able to get back to work on Thursday. I drove 63 miles west to another agent's office to work on a closing on Tuesday. I did not have time to get online then.

Although our modem shows as "connected" we still do not have internet service. I learned today how to tether my phone internet to the computer.  It is extremely slow but at least got me to the blog so I could post this update. It may still be several weeks before I can get back on for normal posting. I am reading on Kindle and listening to Audible on the phone. I will post some pictures when I have better internet capability.

All in all we feel blessed! God protected our lives which is the most important thing. I am hoping to do some work each day as we wait for power to return to the office and home.

MBS September 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - SEPTEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017

I had another good month of reading and especially listening. I still have five reviews to post.link.
Favorite for September: 5 star books: Quest for Cosmic Justice and The Rancher's Gift and The Emperor's Soul.
4.75 - The Watchmaker's Daughter.
4.5 - three titles

1. A2018- Audible Book Review: All These Worlds, Bobiverse Book 3, by Dennis E. Taylor; Military Space, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
2. PTBRLBC- Book Review and Giveaway: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert; Christian, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0. Open US and Canada. Ended 9/29/2018.
3. ATBR- American Exit Strategy (The Economic Collapse, #1)
   by Mark Goodwin; Contemporary, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
4. eTour- Book Review: The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt; Adventure, Historical Fiction, Time Travel; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Nation by Terry Pratchett; Coming of Age, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating: Story 4.0 of 5.0; Audio: 4.5 of 5.0.
6. eTour- Book Review: A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by Christina George ; Contemporary Romance, Holidays, Small Town; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
7. A2018- Audible Book Review: The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer; Fantasy, Historical, Mystery; my rating: Overall 4.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
   
8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs; Sci Fi, Zombie; my rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
9. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock; Historical Romance, Victorian, Western; my rating: Overall 4.25 of 5.0; Narration: 4.25 of 5.0.
10. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
11. eTour- Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad; Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi; my rating: 3.75 of 5.0
12. A2018- Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry; Mystery, Suspense, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
14. AB2018- Audiobook Review: The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell; Jurisprudence, Non-Fiction, Social Studies; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
15. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: The Rancher's Gift by Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn; Christian, Inspirational, Religion; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
16. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

I pushed to exceed my goal of 15 per month but still didn't read as many TBRs as I would have liked.
I am 7 books ahead on my 2018 Goodreads Challenge with 129 of 160.
Total read = 16; TBR = 7; New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 10 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 3 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (0 TBRs)
Print = 1 (1 TBR)

Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock

This is a nice historical romance with a good blend of romance and suspense.
Gallagher's Pride
By: MK McClintock
Narrated by: Alan Philip Ormond


Series: Gallagher, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian, Western
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
She was a on a quest of discovery. He was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance.
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.
As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
The Historical Western Romance Montana Gallagher Series:
Book One - Gallagher's Pride
Book Two - Gallagher's Hope
Book Three - Gallagher's Choice
©2012 MK McClintock (P)2014 MK McClintock

Review:

Brianna is a strong Scottish lass who thinks she is alone until her dying father tells her of her mother's parents in America. Apparently her grandfather disowned her mother when she married her Scottish father instead of the fiance her controlling father had picked for her. Armed with a letter rejecting her mother and children, Brianna heads to America for answers.

Brianna arrives in rough Montana where her PI located her grandparents. She is lucky to meet Ethan Gallagher and his brother when she is accosted by a leering drunk right after stepping off the stagecoach. Brianna is invited to stay at the Gallagher ranch with their sister and housekeeper to keep things respectable. Little does she know that the ranch borders her grandfather and the relationship between the two families are strained at best.

Brianna learns that her grandfather is a mean and bitter man who drove off his own wife. She decides to follow the path of her grandmother in case she can be found. That quest sets off events of suspense and danger, including kidnapping and a shootout.

As they travel, Ethan begins to see a remarkable strength and bravery in Brianna. He might be interested if only he can get past the betrayal of his former fiancé who was found with another man the eve of their wedding. Brianna is falling for Ethan but she won’t accept less than a full commitment.

This is a charming story with characters I really liked. There is a little mystery and suspense to fill out the romance which is on the edge of sweet (simmering, as noted). Ethan’s siblings are lively characters and I am sure there are more good stories coming for the family. I recommend this to readers who enjoy warm, historical romance.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the rich accents of the narrator, Alan Philip Ormond. He captures the Scottish brogue and good old country Midwest. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible 2017 April $1.99 Purchase. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Sunday Post October 7, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 7, 2018

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.

My week was busy although I can't quite place where the time went.
I've had fun getting back to corralling the chickens. We are up to 8 and 9 eggs a day plus we found a couple of hidden stashes.

This is a picture of one of the stashes we found behind our barbecue grill.

My reading and listening was a bit slower. I finished two books (sort of) and I am close to finished on a third: one ebook and one audible title. I managed to get five reviews posted as well as all of my usual memes.

I visited only 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Maureen's Books who shares reviews and other bookish memes.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 30, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 1, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer; Fantasy, Historical, Mystery; my rating: Overall 4.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.

• eTour- Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad; Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi; my rating: 3.75 of 5.0

• ATBR- Goodreads Book Review: American Exit Strategy (The Economic Collapse, #1) by Mark Goodwin; Contemporary, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 5, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/11/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs; Sci Fi, Zombie; my rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #354 Comment Giveaway October 6, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/20/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 7, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Review)

To Thine Be the Glory
by Angela D. Martin
I am finding this interesting.
Source: Review Request from PublishingPush.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon, Extinction Edge, and Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle, Books 1 - 3)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

I finished Book 1 and have started Book 2
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
Extinction Horizon
Total extinction is just on the horizon, but will the cure be worse than the virus?
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Once Upon a Heartbreak
by Cassie Rocca
At 80%. This is a cute story although a little annoying at times.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon, Extinction Edge, and Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle, Books 1 - 3)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

I have been wanting to listen to a book over 24 hours and this is a TBR that fit the bill.
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
I am now on book two.
Extinction Edge
Click on book title for full description.
Extinction Age
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (TBR Ladies Book Club)

The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series)
by Mr. Austin W Boyd
I have been looking forward to reading this. It starts with some fun action.
This is for Ladies Book Club meeting 10/13.
Source: Print books picked up prior to 2017. eBook picked up on sale 2017.
Product Description
As commander John Wells watches from the International Space Station, terrorists cripple Washington. While the world suspects Iranian jihadists, unexplained images from Mars offer a staggering alternative. Caught in a web of politics, John heeds his country's call to head to the Red Planet. Was he born for this moment in history? 448 pages, softcover from Living Ink.

As of Thursday I will start ebooks for FraterFest. I plan to read TBR eBooks.
These are a few of the shorter titles I may try to read:
A Walk in the Woods: A Horror Short Story by Rebecca M. Senese (2011) 9pgs
DARK REALITY-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012) 27pgs
Island Ghosts: A Will Castleton Adventure byDavid Bain (2012) 30pgs
Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts (Ten Tales Fantasy & Horror Stories) by Tracie McBride (Author), William Meikle (Author), Douglas Kolacki (Author), & 6 more (2012) 87pgs
A Romantic Ghost Story by Jason W. Chan (2013) 92pgs
Sixtus-A Suspense Thriller by Tim Kizer (2012) 101pgs
Come to the Cemetery: A Weird Tale of Ghostly Love & Revenge (Young Adult Horror Book 1) by Jackson Dean Chase (2017) 105pgs
Haunted (The Horror Diaries Book 1) by Heather Beck (2015) 127
Fosgate's Game by David C. Cassidy (Author, Illustrator) (2015) 151
Skinwalker: A Western Horror Novel (Gideon Thorn #1) by Michael Newton (2015) 158
So Damn Beautiful: The Lonely One: Book 1 of the SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL Crime Horror-Thriller Trilogy by A.E. Hodge (2015) 161
FROM AWAY - Series One, Book One: A Serial Thriller of Arcane and Eldritch Horror by Deke Mackey Jr. (2016) 169
Grounded Spirits (ghost story/mystery set in Ireland) by P. D. Martin (2012) 179

Audible: The Ghost and The Graveyard (Knight Games Book 1) by Genevieve Jack (2013) 2018 Daily Deal

October 7, 2018 - I am still up to date and enjoying my Bible reading through You Version App.  I am on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and posted 5 reviews. That puts me at 8 reviews still to post! I will keep plugging away.
Obviously I have all of these reviews to add to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible so I am way behind again. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 10. I still have one author title in queue. Still many 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.
I have no new review titles although I am eyeing a couple.
I picked up two for one credit titles at Audiobooks.com
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals this week. There is a two for one sale going on but Audible website is not allowing me access. This happened in September too. I sent a chat and the staff gave me a credit for my trouble. But that doesn't let me get to the two for one. I will try calling them tomorrow.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I picked up just a few free kindle titles 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

Audiobooks Two for One Credit:
Wild Horses
By B. J. Daniels
Duration: 8 h 36 min


and

Promise Me Texas
By Jodi Thomas
Duration: 10 h 58 min

Free

I received this from Pelican Book Group while I was away in Illinois. It sounds like fun reading.
Preserving Liberty: Pure Amore: Sweet Romance, Pure Enjoyment
by Candice Sue Patterson
I added 4 free titles to my Kindle library this week. Another week of no time even to download free titles. 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 October 7, 2018

We were glad to be back at our home church this morning. Our Sunday School teacher continued his study in Corinthians. Corinthians 1:17 - 2:16. The title: Foolish Preaching.

Pastor’s sermon was the conclusion to a series called The Trade. His opening question was: “When was the last time you had to chase someone/something?” (My answer was chickens and before that was twins!) Chasing is part of life. Man has an internal drive to pursue – it might be a job, career, success or relationship.

What about our drive to go after God? When was the last time we experienced that? When we seek God we should be aware that a trade is required. Philippians 3:7- 11. Paul explains that all else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:8-9. Our relationship and pursuit is dependent on faith. Hebrews 11:1 -13. Part of faith is recognizing that the universe was created by God's hand. Hebrews 11:3. And recognizing that the only way to please God is by faith and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.

Point: Will you trade all of you to pursue all of Jesus?

Press on, chase, pursue. Philippians 3: 12-15. We all need to pray for help to want to press on. Are you willing to give all of you for all of Him? Throw off sin. Throw off distractions. It may require that we simplify life. It may also require that we add prayer and loving others to our life.

We finished the service with communion during which we were advised to contemplate the question: Will you make the trade?

I believe this song fits with the message: Surrender

Verses for Today:
Philippians 3:12-15 (NIV)
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, please do help me want to press in to pursue you!

Sharing Beyond Books #354 Comment Giveaway October 6, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I liked learning what each of you like about your favorite genres. Fantasy readers mentioned the world building, escapism and possibilities. Historical fans mentioned liking history (of course) and different times. Mystery fans liked suspense and contemporary fans mentioned realism. BN100 mentioned good writing which would apply to any genre. :-)

The Winner from SBB #353 comments is: #4 MIKI who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #354

(One Question.)

Alina asks: What destination/city/museum would you want to see at least once in your life??

I had to think about this question. I have been blessed to have traveled a bit and have seen many wonderful, beautiful places. I have been to good museums in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC including the Smithsonian.  We have visited the Ark, the Grand Canyon, Gettysburg, some castles in Europe and special places in Hawaii and Alaska - just to mention a few. I thought maybe there is a special library I would like to visit. And I would like to see Jerusalem in my after life if not during my life.
At this point my husband and I would like to visit quiet places: small town America and places like the state park where we spent a night over our last trip: Lake Lurleen, AL.

These are photos I took of our campsite.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. Alina asks: What destination/city/museum would you want to see at least once in your life??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday October 20, 2018 at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert

I enjoyed this solid, easy, cozy mystery.

Shelved Under Murder: A Blue Ridge Library Mystery
by Victoria Gilbert

File Size: 4606 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (July 10, 2018)
ASIN: B075QJHPR9
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Autumn leaves aren’t the only things falling in the historic Virginia village of Taylorsford—so are some cherished memories, and a few bodies. October in Taylorsford, Virginia means it’s leaf peeping season, with bright colorful foliage and a delightful fresh crew of tourists attending the annual Heritage Festival which celebrates local history and arts and crafts. Library director Amy Webber, though, is slightly dreading having to spend two days running a yard sale fundraiser for her library. But during these preparations, when she and her assistant Sunny stumble across a dead body, Amy finds a real reason to be worried.
The body belonged to a renowned artist who was murdered with her own pallet knife. A search of the artist’s studio uncovers a cache of forged paintings, and when the sheriff’s chief deputy Brad Tucker realizes Amy is skilled in art history research, she’s recruited to aid the investigation. It doesn’t seem to be an easy task, but when the state’s art expert uncovers a possible connection between Amy’s deceased uncle and the murder case, Amy must champion her Aunt Lydia to clear her late husband’s name.
That’s when another killing shakes the quiet town, and danger sweeps in like an autumn wind. Now, with her swoon-inducing neighbor Richard Muir, Amy must scour their resources to once again close the books on murder in Shelved Under Murder, the charming second installment in Victoria Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library mysteries, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James.

Review:
Amy Webber is the library director for this historic village of Taylorsford, Virginia. The town hosts an annual Heritage Festival in October during which the library runs a yard sale fundraiser. The library fundraiser always tries to include art work, especially from local artists. This year they have arranged for pieces to be donated by a famous local artist. However, when Amy and her friend/assistant, Sunny, arrive to pick up the works, they find a dead artist instead. The police search of the studio, scene of the crime, reveals a hidden cache of what appear to be forged paintings. Since Amy studied art history and is skilled at researching, she is asked by the sheriff’s office to help in the investigation.

An art expert is brought in on the case and he is invited to stay with Amy and her Aunt Lydia since the local inns are full of tourists. The gentleman confirms the forgeries but also discloses a connection to Lydia’s late husband who was an undiscovered artist. Amy and Lydia now have to try to unravel the mystery of the forged paintings while trying to stay away from the murderer.

There are several suspects available, including the deceased woman’s husband, a local youth who has a drug problem and a local wealthy man whose business history is a bit shady. Amy’s fiancé, Richard, a dance and choreographer artist, is along board for moral and physical support. Richard would like to know she is safe, but he has reason to worry. It seems that Amy has a knack for getting into trouble as she was involved in a murder investigation during the summer.

I enjoyed the easy style of this cozy with its real to life writing and lovely autumn descriptions. This is right in line with what I expect from a cozy mystery with the small-town atmosphere, a few quirky characters, jealousies and misdirections. The elements of art forgery added interest. There were also some hints of romance among other characters.

I enjoyed this enough to be interested in reading the first in the series, A Murder for the Books, to find out how Amy and Richard meet and fall in love – as well as learning about the first murder event. I recommend this easy read to fans of the cozy mystery genre.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for my 2018 NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs

This zombie genre story has strong characters and good action.
Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5
By: Michael Stephen Fuchs
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Series: Arisen, Book 0.5
Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-11-14
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Zombie
My Rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0
Narration: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Tucked away in a high-tech Tactical Operations Center, inside an isolated safehouse in the Horn of Africa, sits Agency analyst Zack Altringham. He is Kenyan-born, Princeton-educated, badly burnt-out - and condemned by his language and cultural skills to a lifetime of fighting America's shadow counter-terror wars. But when another mystery epidemic breaks out, terrifyingly quickly it reaches a tipping point and chaos descends - and Zack and his team (including two former Team Six SEALs) are trapped between the millstones of the sick and the dying on one side, and heavily armed militias on the other. Soon their "safe" house is in flames, and their only remaining option is to get in their up-armored SUV and try to escape the imploding gravity well of the city, to the safety of the American military base in Djibouti. But by then, will there be anywhere safe left on Earth to escape to?
©2012 Michael Stephen Fuchs (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
This is military v zombie tale which explains how the virus outbreak starts. A special CIA team is deep in Africa providing tactical intel on the continual unrest in the area. The team consists of two analysts, Zach and Baxter, supported by two former Seal protectors, Mad Bob and Duggin. People in the area are beginning to show signs of illness – then it becomes more serious. This is no simple civilian unrest but something much worse. As they begin to witness the infected people turning into attacking zombies, the team monitors events from their well-equipped safe house. Zach is able to make contact with his superiors in Langley but the plague isn’t limited to Africa and there will be no support coming from the states. Within two weeks their safe house is overrun and they are out on the streets in a desperate run for safety to an American military base.

The story is well told in first person by Zach. The beginning is a bit slower as the characters are developed with background history. I really liked the characters and hoped they would all survive. Zach provides an interesting philosophical perspective as the apocalypse becomes apparent. There is plenty of action once the plague takes over the population and as the team tries to escape to safety. The military detail is strong and there is good discussion of viral science.

I was glad to listen to this entry in a longer series. It sounds as though the stories are related but do not necessarily include connecting characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy zombie stories. I won’t be rushing to get the next in this series, but I might pick up more if I am in the mood for more zombie stories.

Audio notes: R. C. Bray is a superb narrator whose skills add to the works he reads. He provides unique voices with fitting accents, making the characters more alive.

Source: Audible 2017 December Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.