Audible Book Review: The Highwayman A Longmire Story by Craig Johnson

This is a nice little mystery with great narrator accents.
The Highwayman
A Longmire Story
By: Craig Johnson
Narrated by: George Guidall

Series: Walt Longmire, Book 11.5
Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-17-16
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Ghost, Mystery, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Sheriff Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear embark on their latest adventure in this novella set in the world of Craig Johnson's New York Times best-selling Longmire series - the basis for the hit drama Longmire, now on Netflix.
When Wyoming highway patrolman Rosey Wayman is transferred to the beautiful and imposing landscape of the Wind River Canyon, an area the troopers refer to as no-man's-land because of the lack of radio communication, she starts receiving "officer needs assistance" calls. The problem? They're coming from Bobby Womack, a legendary Arapaho patrolman who met a fiery death in the canyon almost a half century ago.
With an investigation that spans this world and the next, Sheriff Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear take on a case that pits them against a legend: The Highwayman.
©2016 Craig Johnson (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review:
One of the local Wyoming highway patrol officers, Rosey, has recently been assigned to the road in Wind River Canyon. This is a fairly remote area with tunnels that have seen tragedy causing it to be called no-man’s-land. Even the radios and cell phones have intermittent operation. Nighttime should be mostly quiet but Rosey has been getting strange “officer needs assistance” calls. The calls come at the same time on the nights they come and there seems to be an accident that follows. But the strangest feature is that they are coming from Bobby Womack, an Arapaho patrolman who died almost half a century ago. Womack’s death was shrouded in mystery and occurred leaving some question whether he was involved in a legendary bank heist.

Sheriff Walt Longmire and his friend, Henry Standing Bear, have been asked to talk with Rosey and get her to speak to a professional about her confused claims. Henry is the Chief of the Cheyenne Reservation Tribal Police and often helps Walt with investigations.

Walt and Henry meet with Rosey, listen to her description and see the tokens she has picked up. Although Henry Standing Bear acknowledges that spirits and supernatural elements may be at play, Walt is intent on finding a factual, scientific explanation for the events.

I was pulled into this story not just by the opening lines but also by the character accents. I loved the quick mystery with its haunting aspects that are blended with distinct clues. There are several suspenseful scenes and the tension and supernatural mystery build until there is a surprising resolution. This was my first story/listen in this series but won’t be my last. We don’t get Netflix so I don’t know if we will be able to view the TV series. That’s okay – I can always pick up more books in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy western mystery and Native American characters. This novella is a good way to meet the primary characters.

Audio Notes: George Guidall provides wonderful narration. I was enthralled with the accents and the Native American character voices. I thoroughly enjoyed the will be glad to listen to more in this series.

Source: January 2019 Audible Sale $.99. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

MBS June 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - JUNE

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 2019
Favorites for JUNE:
5.0: The Liturgy of the Ordinary
4.75: The Time Collector
4.5: Finder; Forever in a Moment; The Tale of Despereaux; and Harden: Lee Harden Book 1

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad; Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.
2. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Finder by Suzanne Palmer; Genre: Action Adventure, Sci Fi, Space Colonization; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
3. A2019- Audible Book Review: Mirror Gate, The Harbinger Series, Book 2 by Jeff Wheeler; Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
4. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Forever in a Moment by Charlotte O'Shay; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Holiday Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Rath's Deception by Piers Platt; Genre: Assassins, Military Thriller, Military Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
6. NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Feel Better, Mommy by Risa Kirschner; Genre: Children; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
7. NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! by Julie Berry (Author), April Lee (Illustrator); Genre: Children; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.
8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs; Genre: Paranormal, Werewolves; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
9. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Time Collector by Gwendolyn Womack; Genre: Metaphysical Fiction, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
10. A2019- Audible Book Review: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo; Genre: Children's Fairytales & Folklore, Kids Ages 8-10; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
11. A2019- Audible Book Review: Changeling: A Novel of Sorcery and Society by Molly Harper; Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles; Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt; Genre: Legal Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
14. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd; Genre: Christian, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
15. A2019- Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren; Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
16. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker; Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
17. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies by Fiona Boyd; Genre: Children, 5-7; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

Total read = 17; TBR = 5; New Authors = 13
Audio/Audible = 10 (5 TBRs)
eBook = 0 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 7 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0
Review books (other than NG)= 0

Goal Progress:
10 ahead on Goodreads Goal of 150
Total Read to Date: 84 of 150
TBR to Date: 38 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 8 of 24
Audio to Date: 46 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 28 of 40
Author Reviews: 5 of 12
Nonfiction: 6 of 12

• ebTBRs: 1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +0 = 8
• Author titles: 1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 = 5
• New to me Series: 5 +5 +8 +10 +8 +8 = 44
• Continuing for me Series: 3 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 = 12
• Title with Month in it: 1 +1 +1 +1 +1 + 0 = 5
• Seasonal title: Winter 1; Spring 2;
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April + 0 May + 1 June
  (23 of 26)

Sunday Post July 7, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 8, 2019

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.

This past week was definitely a holiday week. Good thing appointments were minimal because those of us in office weren't completely focused on work. It was relaxing (after the trial on Monday of course).
More office project progress as I got a firm commitment from the structural engineer and approval from insurance to engage.

We celebrated our country's Independence Day and my hubby's birthday. Daughter and grandkids got him this fun cake -- he's always liked the beach.

Hubby is frustrated by his wooziness and lack of stamina. :-(
Our weather here continues to be hot. The thunderstorms cool things off. This week I've been praying for those suffering through the earthquakes.

I had another good week of reading and finished four books again: 2 audiobooks and 2 ebooks. I posted four reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Reading Under the Blankie. Norrie describes herself: "Book lover, cat hugger, coffee drinker, wiseass, capable of eating half a cheesecake in one sitting. Best not to approach before she had her breakfast."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 30, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 1, 2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt; Genre: Legal Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• A2019- Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren; Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 5, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker; Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies by Fiona Boyd; Genre: Children, 5-7; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 7, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Computer (NG2019)

Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies
by Fiona Boyd
This is a light children's story;
my review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2019.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

The Highwayman
A Longmire Story
By: Craig Johnson
Narrated by: George Guidall
Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins
This is a nice little mystery with great narrator accents.
Source: January 2019 Audible Sale $.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Every Last Breath
by Juno Rushdan
This is good romantic suspense 
with intense situations and characters.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
This is an easy, fun listen.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (eB2019/TBR)

Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
I had the print version of book 3 for Ladies Book Club. We will be discussing this on July 13.
I decided it made sense to buy the boxed set on Kindle.
Source: Print 2017 or 2019 Kindle $9.99.
Riley Covington is still reeling from his father’s brutal murder when he learns he’s been traded. Meanwhile, the counterterrorism division has detected a plot to detonate electromagnetic pulse bombs that could leave the U.S. without power, communications, and transportation—right down to dropping planes out of the sky. CTD scrambles to stop the attacks, but they run out of time. Amid the fallout, Riley, Scott, Skeeter, and CTD must regroup to make sure the second bomb doesn’t reach its destination.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
I picked this for a change of pace as this seems a lighter mystery.
I'm enjoying getting to know the primary characters.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.
But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…
As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.
Revised edition: This edition of A Quiet Life In The Country includes editorial revisions.
©2016 T E Kinsey. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin
I like the premise of this supernatural fantasy.
I continue to work on my NetGalley titles.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antiques and curios shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them and along with her business partners Teag, who has Weaver magic and Sorren, a 600-year-old vampire, they get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
When zombies rise in Charleston cemeteries, dead men fall from the sky, and the whole city succumbs to the “grouch flu,” Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren suspect a vengeful dark witch who is gunning for Teag and planning to unleash an ancient horror. Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren—and all their supernatural allies—will need magic, cunning, and the help of a Viking demi-goddess to survive the battle with a malicious Weaver-witch and an ancient Norse warlock to keep Charleston—and the whole East Coast—from becoming the prey of the Master of the Hunt.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Thought I would pick from the older TBR titles.
I think I have seen the movie but it has been years.
Source: 2011 Audible purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Edgar Award Winner, Best Novel, 1979
One enemy spy knows the secret of the Allies' greatest deception, a brilliant aristocrat and ruthless assassin - code name: "The Needle" - who holds the key to the ultimate Nazi victory.
Only one person stands in his way: a lonely Englishwoman on an isolated island, who is coming to love the killer who has mysteriously entered her life.
This is Ken Follett's unsurpassed and unforgettable masterwork of suspense, intrigue, and dangerous machinations of the human heart.
©1978 Ken Follett (P)1985 Brilliance Audio

July 7, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I will be starting a 7 day study, Today's Words, Tomorrow's Harvests, tomorrow for part of Mid-year Challenge. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted four reviews. That keeps me current on reviews to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 13 unread. The April titles are still at 2 as I chose to read a title picked up in January. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue and plan to read at llest one this month.
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 received two new review titles this week through NetGalley.
I selected a title for Blitz Tour.
I bought one daily deal this week; working on deciding on my 2nd June credit.
I downloaded week 11 titles from SYNC.
One 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

Two titles from NetGalley:

You Don't Belong Here
by Sean O'Toole
"Two muskrat brothers become displaced due to a storm and end up in a lady's backyard."
This is a NetGalley title starting with "Y" for Alphabet goal. Also, I like the idea of the story.


Deep State
by Chris Hauty
"The unthinkable is happening. The Deep State is real. Who will die to keep its secrets? Who will kill to uncover the truth?"
New to me author. I thought I'd give this political thriller a try.


Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19.
The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95
Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
By: Rebecca Tinker
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 01-22-19

Free

7/7/2019 1st July free Audible Original:
The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Adam Baldwin
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 05-24-16


HAS ANYONE READ EITHER OF THESE? I get to pick one of 30 titles as July VIP at Audiobook.com. I'm trying to decide between these two:
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (just not sure if the language is too rough for me.
OR
Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 11: July 4 – July 11
THE NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson, narrated by Nicola Barber (Brilliance Audio)
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST by Oscar Wilde, narrated by Rupert Degas (Naxos AudioBooks)

I added just one title again this week to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 7, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher continued with a video showing Ken Peters decades old prophecy and born-again testimony. One of the descriptions in his vision was the moment of death by decapitation execution for failure to renounce Jesus as savior. The sensation was that he felt no pain but was immediately in the presence of Jesus where he felt “precious in God's sight”.

Pastor shared how many in the congregation served water during our local Independence Day ceremonies. He reminded us that serving the community is an important part of our mission, noting that Millennials and Gen Z look for greater purpose, not just church fellowship.

Pastor then continued his sermon series titled Resolution. This week’s message was based on the second part of Hebrews 10. The book reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice for all ended the prior system of priestly, ritual sacrifices.

Pastor noted that many people are naturally skeptical or at least cautious. “If it's too good to be true, it probably is” and “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” attitudes.
This would fit the people begin addressed by Hebrews because the whole Jewish culture was changed. Hebrews 10:19-25.

Our new freedom begins with the (blood) sacrifice of Jesus. Can we, do we, trust it? Pastor encouraged us to look at the ‘case for Christ’.

Hebrews 10:26-31 reflects a frightening message. It sounds as though there is no salvation for those who “deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth”. But really this section is a contrast to Grace, not a contradiction. We all continue to sin and would be doomed but for Jesus' blood. The verses are really saying that lamb and bull sacrifices are no longer effective. Only the sacrifice of Jesus … and faith therein … brings salvation.

We cannot make ourselves more righteousness by minimizing or avoiding sin. This is the tension between law and Grace. There is only condemnation under the law, not freedom. Hebrews 10:32-39 sets out this conflict but encourages us to patiently endure with our faith.

Jesus’ blood doesn't Tip the scales of Justice/the law in our favor. It removes the scale. We are no longer measured by the law. Only by Grace. As to the continuing to sin, the Holy Spirit will convict if we are listening.

Point: Confident trust in the Lord, brings great reward.

What does trust look like? We learn to trust first by faith, and later we learn to perceive eternity.
We can never measure up; we can only trust Grace.
Do you trust Him? Or trust yourself?
Do you trust God with your life. With Radical love and assurance that allows you to follow Him?
You may need to ask yourself: Where is your lack of trust and how can you begin to resolve it?
We each have a choice: Reject condemnation or reject Grace.

I think this song fits today's message.

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

I thank God for the gift of salvation and for giving me a solid faith to Trust in Him.

#NetGalley Book Review: Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies by Fiona Boyd

This is nice ‘princess’ story.

Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies
by Fiona Boyd

File Size: 7390 KB
Print Length: 38 pages
Publisher: Troubador Publishing (February 6, 2019)
ASIN: B07NGNW2QY
Genre: Children, 5-7
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Welcome to the magical Kingdom of Treenesta, governed by King David and Queen Trixie!
This is the first book in the Crystal Fairy series, which features seven feisty sisters with a touch of attitude. This story is set around the day of Princess Arebeena’s birthday where Princess Arebeena is tasked with a treasure hunt. Accompanied by her best friend Isabella, Princess Arebeena sets out on an exciting adventure looking for her missing tiara… but what else will she find along the way? As you travel through the land of Treenesta, you will meet some interesting animal characters, including Fern the frog, Saffi the barn owl and Dreeva the dragon. Find out how Princess Arebeena makes friends with the seven crystal fairies: Ruby, Amber, Citrine, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst and Rose.
Will the Princess find her tiara? And after such a tiring quest, how will she get back to the Royal Palace in time for her birthday celebrations? The storyline encourages a positive attitude, bravery and emphasises the power of friendship, and is beautifully illustrated at each step with detailed, full-colour paintings. It will be enjoyed by children aged 5-7 years.

Review:
Princess Arebeena is preparing for her birthday party with her friend, Isabella, when Arebeena realizes that she doesn’t have her tiara. Her parents have hidden the tiara and directed her on a treasure hunt. The girls set out, first searching the castle and then the grounds. Fern the frog directs them to the wise barn owl, Saffi. Saffi introduces the girls to the crystal fairies. They give her a special gift, but they don’t have the tiara. They will have to face a dragon before they can complete the treasure hunt.

This is a story that shares positive aspects of friendship and courage. Little girls are likely to really enjoy the story and the soft, pleasant illustrations. There are longer text sections which I didn’t think really would work for the intended audience age, especially if the child tries to read by him/herself. Still it is a cute story and can be read by a parent to their child(ren).

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker

This is a fun, fast military sci fi.
Star Nomad
Fallen Empire, Book 1
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-18-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The Alliance has toppled the tyrannical empire. It should be a time for celebration, but not for fighter pilot Captain Alisa Marchenko. After barely surviving a crash in the final battle for freedom, she's stranded on a dustball of a planet, billions of miles from her young daughter. She has no money or resources, and there are no transports heading to Perun, her former home and the last imperial stronghold.
But she has a plan.
Steal a dilapidated and malfunctioning freighter from a junkyard full of lawless savages. Slightly suicidal, but she believes she can do it. Her plan, however, does not account for the elite cyborg soldier squatting in the freighter, intending to use it for his own purposes. As an imperial soldier, he has no love for Alliance pilots. In fact he's quite fond of killing them.
Alisa has more problems than she can count, but she can't let cyborgs, savages, or ancient malfunctioning ships stand in her way. If she does she'll never see her daughter again.
Fans of Firefly and Star Wars should enjoy this fun, fast-paced new series from USA Today best-selling author Lindsay Buroker.
©2016 Lindsay Buroker (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Captain Alisa Marchenko is a former Alliance pilot who was stranded on a foreign planet while in the hospital recovery from wounds in the final battles. The determined Alliance troops have surprisingly beaten the Imperial with their superior cyborg warriors. Now Alisa wants to repair her mother’s downed freighter and get back to her home planet, Perun, and her daughter. Unfortunately, Perun is the only planet still in the hands of the Imperials.

Alisa and a friend she has brought along for her mech skills make it to the dilapidated freighter only to find it is already occupied by a cyborg soldier. She expects resistance but the cyborg agrees to go with them provided they detour to a planet as the first stop of their journey. Alisa takes on a security guard and manages to attract two passengers: a religious man (carrying a secret) and an ethereal woman who trades in herbs, mushrooms and other unknown products.

This motley crew must survive the journey across the universe to get to their goals. They will face ruthless pirates, hideous monsters and who knows how they will be treated if they can get to Perun.

I enjoyed the strange crew and how they end up helping each other. Apparently even cyborgs have honor and he is a fascinating character. It is vaguely reminiscent of Firefly which I really enjoyed. There is humor and lots of danger and action. The story moves along well to a point but does not resolve. It will continue in the next book. I recommend this to fans of sci fi adventure.

Audio Notes: Kate Reading does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The narration helped to make this an easy and fast listen.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 5, 2019

Happy Friday! This whole week has been strange, leading to the holiday. I'll be making up for it next week.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the June 28, 2019 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked this week.
BN100 gets Evidence of Mercy.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from June 28, 2019 Pick:
MARYP gets a GC
and
ASHFA gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This would be a lovely sight at the beach!
Image found at Coastal Living..

New Book Group #86 June, 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

PAIRS:
Joanne Fluke: Fudge Cupcake Murder and Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
Nora Roberts: Less of a Stranger and Rebellion (Won on June 14)
SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

PAIRS:
Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes and The Knight of Rosecliffe
Stella Cameron: Target and Now You See Him

SINGLES:
Golden Goddess by Stephanie James
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
The Gamble by LaVerle Spencer
Two Brothers by Linda Lael Miller
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
Bold Conquest by Virginia Henley
Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
Forbidden Pleasures (hardback) by Bertrice Small
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,257+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren

I found this Wonderful!

Liturgy of the Ordinary
Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
Author Tish Harrison Warren
Narrator Sarah Zimmerman

Runtime 4.63 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio
Downloads ZIP M4B MP3
Release Date December 4, 2016
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God's presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each chapter looks at something―making the bed, brushing her teeth, losing her keys―that the author does every day. Drawing from the diversity of her life as a campus minister, Anglican priest, friend, wife, and mother, Tish Harrison Warren opens up a practical theology of the everyday. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship. Come and discover the holiness of your every day.

Review:
This is a wonderful work that makes a connection between the Sunday liturgy rituals and an ordinary day of life (daily living). Ms. Warren relates the liturgy of the Sunday service to every part of our ordinary ‘getting thru the day’ lives encouraging us to remember God's gifts and presence throughout the day.

I took notes as I listened which gave me a one line summary of each chapter:
     Waking – Baptism and Learning to Be Beloved. The day starts with a reminder that at baptism we are marked as God’s children, we come under his covering and are able to see ourselves as God’s Beloved.
     Making the Bed – Liturgy, Ritual, and What Forms a Life. The simple task of making the bed reminds us that life is filled with repeating mundane routine tasks but we can take time during those rote actions to think upon God and about how He spends each day overseeing our daily lives.

The pattern continues following the chapter headings which can be found at the “look inside” feature at Amazon. I would share my summaries, but I would rather encourage everyone to read or listen to the book.

I realize that many have never experienced a liturgical service and do not know what “liturgy” means. A definition (found online) of liturgy is “the ritual or script for various forms of public worship in churches.” Examples of liturgy rituals include: baptism, sharing communion, readings of the Bible during service, sharing responsive readings, confession, passing the peace (shaking hands with others during church service), the blessing of the people by the priest (or pastor), bowing for prayer. I was raised in the Episcopal church so I grew up with the liturgy of the church. I now worship in a Pentecostal church and I love the freedom of worship (raising hands, praying for one another, speaking in tongues, believing and praying for healing). But I miss the special acts of liturgy such as saying the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles' Creed and the general confession.

Having the childhood background of liturgy is part of the reason that I was delighted by this book. However, I do believe that the inspiring wisdom conveyed, the intent of bringing to mind God’s presence in every part of our daily lives, is worthwhile for everyone regardless of the church you attend (or don't).

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a lovely job with the narration. Her reading blends into the work providing appropriate reverence and inspiration. I enjoyed the audio version.

Source: 6/3/19 Christianaudio.com June free download. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt

It's hard to trust the legal system when corrupt people are in charge.
Justice Redeemed
By: Scott Pratt
Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Series: Darren Street, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-17-15
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Two years ago, Darren Street made a name for himself as the man who rooted out corruption in the district attorney's office. Now the hotheaded young lawyer is in the public eye yet again - this time, accused of murder.
Jalen Jordan retained Street for what seemed to be a minor traffic violation, but when evidence turned up linking Jordan to the death of two boys, Street wanted out of the case. To ensure his lawyer's cooperation and silence, Jordan threatened to make Street's son the next victim. Shortly after, Jordan's own body turned up with a bullet hole in his chest.
Now Street is on trial for his life, and the enemy he made in the DA's office is clearly out for blood. It's one lawyer out to frame another. Can a desperate father escape punishment for a crime he didn't commit?
©2015 Scott Pratt (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Darren Street is a criminal defense attorney who exposed corruption in the district attorney’s office and headed a movement to defeat the DA at the polls. Darren had hoped that the corrupt attorney would be out of the system, but he moved into a different prosecutor’s office.

Now Darren has been asked to represent Jalen Jorden who claims he was wrongly stopped for a minor traffic violation. Darren becomes aware that more is involved when the pushy man presents $50,000.00 as retainer. Darren learns that the simple vehicle stop may have produced evidence of a heinous murder of two boys. Darren wants to decline the representation, but Jordan threatens to harm Darren’s own young son. Darren is livid and panicked. He is caught in a dilemma as he is restricted by ethical codes from telling anyone what the man has disclosed in privileged communications, but he is terrified for the safety of his child. Darren rants and raves to his secretary before calling an old attorney friend seeking advice but also threatening to stop Jordan. He reaches out to an old client with a horrible request which sets up major problems.

A few days later Jordan is found dead and Darren is the prime suspect in the murder. His old enemy is thrilled to prosecute the case where all the evidence points to Darren. Darren ends up in jail where he begins to learn rules of the prison yard. He faces beatings in the yard as well as beatings in the courtroom as betrayals bring damaging testimony.

I have to say that this wasn’t an easy listen for me. I had trouble relating to Darren’s temper and irrational rants. His experiences behind bars are brutal, distressing and I shudder to think they are a realistic depiction. It is horrifying. I liked the shifting character alignments that are revealed as the story proceeds, even though some of the situations are on the edge of believability. The story moves at a good pace and the full package makes for an engaging story which I recommend to readers who enjoy legal thrillers.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed Nick Podehl’s narration in other works and he does a good job on this one too. He portrays the panic and anguish of Darren and the malevolence of Jordan and the corrupt prosecutor. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source May 2019 Sale Audible Sale $5.24. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal and “J” in Alphabet goal.