Sunday Words of Encouragement October 27, 2019

We had another good Sunday School lesson shared from Jonathan Cahn’s book The Oracle. Today’s lesson focused on the Jubilee years 67AD, 1867, 1917, 1967, and 2017.

Service began with a beautiful time of worship leading into Pastor’s continued sermon series:
The Blessed Life. This week is Part Four and based on a message in the Beatitudes. Pastor has previously noted that our hearts and actions need to line up with the Lord, not with the world. God wants to protect and bless us but sometimes we step away from his path and thereby step away from his blessings.

Today the message is: Motives Matter. Most people want their motives to be good and pure all that time. However, since we are frail, selfish humans, that is not realistic. Wrong motives pollute, contaminate and taint. Often we deceive ourselves with twisted motives. We have excuses...

God knows what we are doing, and why we're doing it. Our motives.

Jesus is preaching the Beatitudes to the crowds when he shares in Matthew 5:8: God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

What is our motive for offering or even coming to church? Is it peer pressure; leverage? Or is an opportunity to worship and to fill-up on God power. Is our ultimate motive to lead others to Jesus?

The Point: Motives reveal the condition and direction of your heart. When your desires and motives line up with God, you won't be afraid to take big steps of faith.

Acts 8 tells the story of a Magician by the name of Simon. When he heard the preaching of Philip, he believed and was baptized. Later, Peter and John prayed for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon offered them money for the ability to lay hands on and deliver the Holy Spirit to people. (verses 18-19). Peter rebuked Simon because his motives were wrong – he wanted the power for his own purpose, not to bring glory to God. Sharing the Holy Spirit is good, but it should not be encouraged in a trickster.

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.”
Proverbs 16:2 “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”

When your heart is pure, you see God everywhere!
What if aligning your motives would change your vision, what you see?
Join God in what He is doing instead of what you are doing.
God showed us His pure motive to bring us salvation because He loved us so much. To give us life. Ephesians 1:11-14; John 3:16.

See Him in your life. Ask God to motivate you each day.

I had several songs but this one seemed to work today.

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

God, I pray that you guide my motives and that I may see You in everything in my life!

Audible Book Review: Alien: Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs

This is a good dramatization and made me want to see the movies again.

Alien: Out of the Shadows
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis, Kathryn Drysdale, Laurel Lefkow, Andrea Deck, Mac McDonald.

Series: Audible Original, Alien, Book 1, Alien, Book 3
Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
Performance
Release date: 04-26-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dramatizations
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
In space, no one can hear you scream. In this gripping Audible Original performance, Ellen Ripley, the last human survivor of the salvage ship Nostromo, once again takes on the relentless Xenomorphs: vicious, intelligent extra-terrestrials notorious for tearing humans apart. When her lifeboat Narcissus locks onto the mining ship Marion, she awakes from hypersleep to a nightmare: the dreaded creatures are lurking on board, ominously prowling a sealed-off shuttle after slaughtering the crew. When one of the merciless beasts escapes the hold, acting Captain Chris “Hoop” Hooper and his team are faced with an unimaginable horror—and Ripley just may be the crew’s only hope.
An ensemble cast, featuring film icon Rutger Hauer and Harry Potter’s Matthew Lewis, commands this unforgettable performance, punctuated by immersive sound design from audio master and fan favorite Dirk Maggs. Awarded the 2017 Audie for Excellence in Production, the result is terrifying–and utterly pause-resistant.
©2016 20th Century Fox (P)2016 Audible, Ltd.

Review:
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Xenomorphs alien attack on the Nostromo, is in hypersleep in a lifeboat headed home… at least that was the plan. She is awakened when her ship is diverted and pulled onto the mining ship Marion. Apparently two ships went to the surface and ran into trouble in the form of an alien attack. Snagging Ripley’s ship is fortuitous for the mining crew since Ripley is the only one who has experience with these aliens.

While Ripley was longing to get back to earth, it turns out the disembodied AI, Ash, who tried to take back an alien, is controlling her ship. Ash redirected Ripley’s ship so he could get to the aliens again. Now he is prepared to take over the mining ships and again try to get an alien to take back to earth… even if it means leaving most of the humans behind.

The action is fast paced, and Ash makes a creepy, strong villain. I like how his journal entries fill in backstory on ‘the Company’. Chief Engineer, now acting Captain, Hooper, “Hoop”, and Ripley share bantering chemistry and begin to form a supportive friendship as they try to survive the alien beasts. Sadly, most of the other characters are disposable. Beyond humans trying to sneak past the aliens, while Ash steers them into trouble, there isn’t a huge plot line.

Audio Notes: The dramatization makes this an interactive, movie-like (at least in sound) experience. I loved Rutger Hauer as Ash and Laurel Lefkow does a great job portraying Ripley. At times she sounds just like Sigourney Weaver. There are a few times I had to strain to hear the voices over the dramatic music and background sounds but overall the performance is engaging and exciting.

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

eBook Review: Investing Isobella by Jason Werbeloff

This is true, scary horror, complete with sci-fi cyber elements.
Investing Isobella
by Jason Werbeloff


File Size: 1417 KB
Print Length: 38 pages
Publication Date: February 20, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01N26RM2Y
Genre: Cyberpunk, Horror, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Paul Sanders is a desperate man. He and his daughter, Isobella, are weeks away from living in the Gutter.
Enter Jono Falanges, a greasy stockbroker promises Paul all the money he needs, and more. The only catch is, Paul must invest Isobella’s health on the stock market.
Plunge down the slippery slope of morality with Investing Isobella, a horrifying sci-fi novella. You won’t look at your investments the same way, ever again.

Review:
Paul Sanders is afraid he and his beloved daughter, Isobella, will soon be living on the streets. He struggled after the death of his wife and is now, out of work, he is desperate to make the last bit of his funds protect his family. He is afraid to gamble but afraid not to. Paul seeks advice from a slick technology stockbroker. The man convinces Paul that he has an asset he can invest and that the risk is minimal. But Paul doesn’t understand the true deal he is making – it is more life and death than he realizes until much later.

I was intrigued by this presented as a sci-fi horror story. And oh – this is true horror. I winced when I realized the deal he was making and at the end my reaction was “AARGH!” The story is well-plotted and well written. I don’t know if all of the works by Werbeloff are horror and I will have to brace myself to try more from him (having just picked up three more freebies). This is a short story well worth reading especially if you enjoy horror.

Source: April 2018 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR/ebook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 25, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy News: books through early September are in the mail! Now I'll have to start adding up for GC and Paypal wins again.

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 October 18, 2019 Pick. There were TWO automatic wins this week. (I'll have to start pulling together another box for November!) 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.
bn100 gets Dawn Encounter and
Elizabeth gets Rainbow Mars

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 18, 2019 Pick:
CAROL L gets TEMPT ME
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.}

Sounds like a plan I would like!
Image found at Pinterest linked by Brenda DiPaola on Instagram.

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


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

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
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.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
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
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
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

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer 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)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


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
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
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 by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(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 1,281+ 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!

Audible Book Review: FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV

I enjoyed this humourous collection of macabre British stories.

FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV - exclusive to Audible
By: Crackanory
Narrated by: Toby Jones, Katherine Parkinson, John Robins, Robert Bathurst, Simon Bird

Length: 1 hr and 38 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 01-25-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: British, Entertainment, Humor
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Imagine if Jackanory was set free from its childish shackles. What twisted, funny tales would it unleash upon the world?
Combining some of the UK's best and brightest comedy writers and performers, this exclusive to audio edition of UKTV's Dave Channel Crackanory is a master class in storytelling and features an all-star cast including Toby Jones, Katherine Parkinson, John Robins, Robert Bathurst and Simon Bird.
Episode List:
'Kill Phil'
'Mummy Business'
'The Character Assassin'
'The IT Man'
'The Egg That Knew Too Much'
©2017 UKTV (P)2017 Audible Ltd

Review:
I really did not know what “Crackanory” meant. I found this in a Goodreads review by Paul E. Morph: “For the uninitiated, Crackanory is a British t.v. show that spoofs Jackanory, an older British t.v. show.” Apparently, the original show featured celebrities reading short stories to children. The Crackanory version presents stories that have a macabre or dark sense and might be considered inappropriate for TV. I found all five stories entertaining and nothing that would alarm me (as an adult anyway) on TV since I have seen – and turned off – worse. The stories are full of dry British humor and irony.

The five stories in this free Audible are:
1. Kill Phil by Ali Crockatt & David Scott
    Phil accidently gets his dry cleaner assassinated which results in a humous twisting threat to Phil and his girlfriend. Robert Bathurst delvers the dry humor with fitting voice nuance.
2. Mummy Business by Barunka O’Shaughnessy
    This a ghostly tale told with great humor by narrator Katherine Parkinson.
3. The Character Assassin by Tanya Qureshi
    A reclusive author suddenly meets her character and then tries to change the ending of her novel. The narration of this ironic piece is provided by John Robins.
4. The Egg That Knew Too Much by Steve Burge
    This is the story of Ted, who loves eggs, One day he cracks open an egg and finds a tiny scroll predicting a horse race winner. Now he gets a new prediction with each egg and is able to follow the leads to fortune. But after a time the predictions begin to accurately forewarn of deaths. When a death is predicted that Ted dreads, he travels far trying to find the egg farm in hopes of breaking the curse. I enjoyed the fun story and the accented narration by Toby Jones
5. The IT Man by Tom Meeten
    Two nerdy type friends, Mike and Rob, grow up together and seem to proceed along the same path until Rob gets married, leaving Mike to needle him. Mike gets more resentful after Rob gets a dream IT job. When they go off to a conference together their paths take a surprising, unexpected twist. This was narrated by Simon Bird.

I don’t know any of the authors and I don’t recognize any of the narrators either. The package was fun, macabre listening perfect for October, or anytime, entertainment. And I believe it is still available for free! (I have a 7 hour Crackanory collection on my Audible TBR shelf for listening in the future.)

Source: September 2017 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Lullaby by Jonathan Maberry

This is what I consider a true horror story.
Lullaby
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Scott Brick


Length: 37 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Fiction, Horror, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 5.0.

About This Audible Original
The fears and horrors of being a new parent take on a shocking dimension in in this heart-stopping original story, only from Audible. A young married couple, Matt and Gillian have just bought a gorgeous house located next to a lake in the Catskills. They want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to raise their baby girl, Hope, in relative peace and quiet. When night falls, however, their dream home becomes a house of nightmares. Matt and Gillian soon learn that darkness takes many forms. And sometimes, darkness is hungry.
New York Times best-selling author and Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry delivers a haunting Audible Original that will give listeners the Halloween creeps all year round. Scott Brick, the man with the golden voice, perfectly captures the experience of hearing a classic ghost story told around the campfire.
This product features adult language and themes.
©2018 Jonathan Maberry (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Matt and Gillian plan to raise their coming baby away from the rat race of the city. They buy a gorgeous home in the Catskills even though they know the house has a dark history. All seems good until one night Gillian wakes up startled and thinks she sees something strange on the baby monitor. She and Matt try to convince themselves everything is fine even as they install more security systems. Events escalate and they have to rush the baby to the hospital. Tension grows and horror follows.

This is what I consider true horror. The writing is direct, clear and appropriately dark. I liked the dark tone but admit that (like another reviewer) I questioned the behavior of the parents. I can’t imagine taking my infant back into that house after the crises that occurred. I still enjoyed the quick “fright night” story and recommend it to those who enjoy a short horror tale.

Audio Notes: Scott Brick does a perfect job of narration for this work. He carries the tone wonderfully making it a ‘fun’ listen -- especially for a free listen.

Source: 10/29/2018 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post October 20, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 21, 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.

We had a lovely weekend on a cruise with the children and grandchildren. I'll have to get some pictures from the kids to post.
This is one of the few that I took:

I just love these cabin towel animals!
Our mornings are lovely and this week we are only supposed to have one day over 80. That will be nice.

I had a good week of reading/listening. I finished five ebooks by last Sunday for Fraterfest in addition to the two audios listed last Sunday. I finished another two ebooks and one more audiobook for a total of TEN for FraterFest, plus one additional audiobook this week. I posted five reviews on the blog and did one at Goodreads. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Ink Votary. Vi is not only an avid book reader and blogger but a painter too.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 13, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 14, 2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan, Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1 by John Flanagan; Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Ages 11-13, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane by Patti Smith; Genre: Live Events, Storytellers; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham; Genre: Christian, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 18, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/24/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal; Genre: Ghosts, Military Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs; Genre: Classic Literature, Horror, Sci Fi Classic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #380 Comment Giveaway October 19, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/2/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 20, 2019.

Finished Reading:
I completed these TEN TBR titles for FRATERFEST 2019. I will link to my reviews, Goodreads review or the Audible or Goodreads link.
Dark Reality-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012)
Zombie Betrayal by Robert DeCoteau (2011)
Jupiter’s Revenge: An Amber Cook Sequel (The Horror Diaries Vol.18) by Heather Beck (2018)
Turned at Dark: A Bonus Shadow Falls Short Story by C.C. Hunter (2011) My rating 4.0.
ATBR - The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs (December 2018) My rating 4.0 - Review linked above.
Investing Isobella: A Sci-Fi Horror by Jason Werbeloff (2018)
ATBR- Lullaby by Jonathan Maberry (Oct 2018 Free Audible)
Awaken: A Horror Short Story by Zach Bohannon (2018)
Fated Hearts (A Paranormal Romance Novella) by Patricia Mason (2012)
ATBR- Crackanory Too Cracked for TV (Free Sept 2019)


11. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Alien: Out of the Shadows
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis, Kathryn Drysdale, Laurel Lefkow, Andrea Deck, Mac McDonald.
Series: Audible Original, Alien, Book 1, Alien, Book 3
Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
This is a good dramatization and made me want to see the movies again. I started this for Fraterfest but didn't finish it by 10/15. It is another TBR.
Source: 2016 Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
In space, no one can hear you scream. In this gripping Audible Original performance, Ellen Ripley, the last human survivor of the salvage ship Nostromo, once again takes on the relentless Xenomorphs: vicious, intelligent extra-terrestrials notorious for tearing humans apart. When her lifeboat Narcissus locks onto the mining ship Marion, she awakes from hypersleep to a nightmare: the dreaded creatures are lurking on board, ominously prowling a sealed-off shuttle after slaughtering the crew. When one of the merciless beasts escapes the hold, acting Captain Chris “Hoop” Hooper and his team are faced with an unimaginable horror—and Ripley just may be the crew’s only hope.
An ensemble cast, featuring film icon Rutger Hauer and Harry Potter’s Matthew Lewis, commands this unforgettable performance, punctuated by immersive sound design from audio master and fan favorite Dirk Maggs. Awarded the 2017 Audie for Excellence in Production, the result is terrifying–and utterly pause-resistant.
©2016 20th Century Fox (P)2016 Audible, Ltd.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Phantom of the Opera
By: Gaston Leroux
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 12-06-04
Another TBR title that fits October. 
I'm having a little trouble getting into it.
Source: 12/16 Daily Deal $.99 for me since I already had the Kindle version.
Publisher's Summary
The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires.
(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice
by Donna Kauffman; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles
I totally enjoyed the strong romance in the first story and I'm looking forward to the other two.
I saw this at Bookfan and was pulled in.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.
Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …
Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

3. Audio CD/Car (A2019)

The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)
I am engaged by this.
I will finish it in the next couple of days.
Discussion at Ladies Book Club was delayed as our meeting was postponed.
Source: Print books for book club; I picked up the Audio CD for about $7.00 ($1.64 plus 5.46 shipping).
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson
There are some wonderful quotes in this. 
I am doing the 40 days so I expect to finish the first week of November.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I made good progress with the TBR thanks to Fraterfest. Now I just need to read/listen to 14 titles in 10 weeks.
I'm continuing to pick titles from my list of TBR audiobooks under 10 hours.


October 20, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I didn't do another study but continue to spend time on May it Be So. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed eleven books and six reviews. I have nine reviews to cover all the short stories I read for Fraterfest.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible. (Eventually, I will add older reviews.)
No change to author queue again this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 6 unread. I was going to wait till I added more reviews to see if I could get to 95%. But I decided 94% is good and I will start to request some Christmas titles this week.
I am still working on titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to start these in the next two weeks.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
One new review title.
Three audios - One free at Christianaudio,com, one free at Audiobooks.com and one credit purchae at Audible.
28 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

Recieved from Pulbishing Push early in October but I forgot to addit to the post.

 
Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse
This sounds like a cute story for children.

Won

NONE

Purchased

10/16/19 September 2019 Audible Credit

The Righteous Mind
Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
By: Jonathan Haidt
Narrated by: Jonathan Haidt
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 07-23-12
I really would like to understand how the other side thinks and approaches political and religious issues.
Part of me wants to listen to this right away and another part is thinking it woud be a great First Read for 2020.

Free

10/16/19 Audiobook.com VIP

The Warded Man
Written By: Peter V. Brett
Narrated By: Peter Bradbury
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: December 2009
Duration: 18 hours 16 minutes

10/19/19 ChristianAudio.com October Membership Free book
Becoming Dallas Willard
The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower
Author Gary W. Moon
Narrator Joe Geoffrey


I added 28 free Kindle title 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 October 20, 2019

We shared our praises and pray concerns in Sunday School. Then we watched and discussed a video by Dr. Michael Brown. The book of Esther describes how Haman would not be satisfied until Mordecai bowed to him. But Mordecai would not bow. We are seeing the same attitude by those who will allow no dissenting opinion. They will not be satisfied until the Christian voice is silenced.

The worship team opened the service with several good songs, including The Goodness of God. Pastor then shared Sermon three of The Blessed Life.

The blessed life must be based on God's definition, not our own. As stated in week one, the Blessed Life is having God's supernatural power working for us.

When we learn to ride a bicycle, our parent usually holds onto the back of the bike to keep us steady until we are ready to try on our own, to go free.

Pursuing the blessed life may lead us to a point where we don't want the steadying hand on the back of the bike. But, unlike riding a bicycle, when we are seeking the blessed life, we need to stay fully connected to Jesus.

The common thread woven through the blessed life is a deep, 100% dependent connection to Jesus.
The blessed life is what God wants for us. If you remain in Jesus you will produce much fruit, have life. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:1-8.

If we are apart, we produce nothing, we rot, we wither, we die.

We often ask “Can I do both? Can I have my way but with God’s benefits?”

The Point: Remaining in Jesus is the catalyst of a blessed life.

Remain implies Constant connection to Jesus.
Opposite of remain is to cease; to be short-lived. This lifetime is worthless in eternity if it is not connected to Jesus.
Remain is a verb, active. Actively pursue Christ.
Many people go to ‘Jesus places’, do ‘Jesus things’, attend ‘Jesus events.’. But many are not connected to the power and the blessings that only come through a relationship, connection, with Jesus.
If we don't remain in Jesus, then we are cut off from the blessing.
Actively remaining in Jesus produces results; produces fruit.
Accumulation is not the same as connection.
Where is the fruit? What new fruit is shown in your life?
People are waiting for you to share the message of God’s salvation.
John 15:7 allows us to ask for blessings. Verse 8 tells us that when we remain in Jesus we are true disciples and we bring Glory to God.
Are you actively remaining in Jesus or merely doing Jesus things?

I thought I had the song picked out but then I found this one which fits today:
I'm Gonna Hold On To Jesus

Verses for Today:
John 15:4-8 (NIV)
The Vine and the Branches
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Sharing Beyond Books #380 Comment Giveaway October 19, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Thirteen people have not experienced a weird author request. The two items that were mentioned other than mine were: bn100 being asked not to post a review that rated under 4.0 and Rita recalls an author asking readers to send in pictures of them holding the book at the store.

The Winner from SBB #379 comments is: #4 BOOKWORM 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. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**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 #380

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

Over the past few months I have discovered:
FEBRUARY: Amy Harmon who wrote The Bird and the Sword, a Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance.
MAY: Rachel Fordham who wrote The Hope of Azure Springs, a Christian, Historical Romance, Western.
JULY: Maxym Martineau who wrote Kingdom of Exiles an Action and Adventure, Romantic Fantasy; and Juno Rushdan who wrote Every Last Breath another Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller.
 

Image found at Southeast Elementary School.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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.
October Comment were Questions were provided by bn100 and Elizabeth. Both have earned a full book choice.

Your turn to share. Elizabeth asks: Who are your favorite new (to you) authors that you've read this past year??

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 November 2, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs

This is a good ironic, vintage sci fi.

The Monster Men
By: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Narrated by: Sean Murphy

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Published May 4th 2015 (first published November 1913)
Genre: Classic Literature, Horror, Sci Fi Classic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. von Horn's attempts to create life from chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity.
Not until Number thirteen met the American girl who was von Horn's prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Then, monster or not, he turned against his master and his "brothers" and threw in his lot with the girl in a desperate attempt to escape the island of terror.

Review:
Professor Maxon has secretly been working on creating “man”. His attempts have left him with ruined bodies and estranged from his daughter, Virginia. Now the two are headed to a remote Asian jungle island accompanied by the Professor’s new assistant, Dr. von Horn.

As the time passes the Professor remains locked in the cabin with his lab work. One after one the ‘monsters’ are produced and caged. Each creation, from number one through twelve, are a little better developed and a little less monstrous. As Dr. von Horn keeps the professor’s secrets, he also attempts to woe Virginia. She is lovely but he is mostly interested in her inheritance. He is not the only one after the Professor’s treasure chest. Crew members and local natives are conspiring with nearby pirates to take the girl and the treasure.

The camp is attacked and the Professor suspects that his latest experiment has been damaged a few days before it is ready. Instead the pod opens to reveal Number Thirteen – a beautiful manly specimen ready to be taught language and manners.

As the pirates are attempting to kidnap Virginia, they are interrupted by the monsters. Virginia is horrified to be pulled away from the kidnappers to be put in the hands of a ghastly monster. Then she faints only to awaken in the arms of a beautiful man, Number Thirteen. Number Thirteen is enchanted by Virginia but the Professor and von Horn convince him that Virginia could never love a soulless monster.

A chase ensues as von Horn tries desperately to get to Virginia and the treasure. He is quick to tell the Professor that Number Thirteen is the one to blame for the attacks. But von Horn doesn’t realize that there is a shadow watching his every betrayal. A shadow who hopes to save Virginia… and maybe Number Thirteen.

The adventure is full of a macabre atmosphere in a fitting earlier year setting. I may have rolled my eyes a few times at the simplest nature of the beauty and beast romance, but I enjoyed the chase and the fine horror and ironic ending. This is a mix of Frankenstein, Tarzan and Dr. Moreau. I may prefer the Barsoom Series (John Carter on Mars) but I do recommend this to readers who enjoy vintage sci fi mixed with horror.

Audio Notes: The narration by Sean Murphy fits the vintage nature of the story. This is a type of story I am more inclined to listen to than read so I am glad I got it for a bargain at Audible.

There are many covers for this title but I think the most fitting is this one:

I picked this TBR for FRATERFEST.
Source: 2018 December Audible Purchase $.82. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal

I enjoyed this ghosting mystery.
Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Ghosts, Military Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Ghost Talkers: a new novel from beloved fantasy author Mary Robinette Kowal featuring the mysterious spirit corps and their heroic work in World War I.
Ginger Stuyvesant, an American heiress living in London during World War I, is engaged to Captain Benjamin Hartshorne, an intelligence officer. Ginger is a medium for the Spirit Corps, a special Spiritualist force. Each soldier heading for the front is conditioned to report to the mediums of the Spirit Corps when they die so the corps can pass instant information about troop movements to military intelligence.
Ginger and her fellow mediums contribute a great deal to the war efforts, so long as they pass the information through appropriate channels. While Ben is away at the front, Ginger discovers the presence of a traitor. Without the presence of her fiancé to validate her findings, the top brass thinks she's just imagining things. Even worse, it is clear that the Spirit Corps is now being directly targeted by the German war effort. Left to her own devices, Ginger has to find out how the Germans are targeting the Spirit Corps and stop them. This is a difficult and dangerous task for a woman of that era, but this time both the spirit and the flesh are willing....
©2016 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ginger is an American Heiress engaged to Captain Benjamin, a British intelligence officer during WWI. Ginger has a secret job as a medium in the Spirit Corps. Although women are still viewed as less important, the corps serves a crucial purpose, receiving the last messages of the soldiers as they die. The soldiers are able to report their death circumstances and any special intelligence that may help the British. Ginger and the other team members share harrowing deaths and then pass the information to the highest officials. Ginger experiences the murder death of a man who overheard a traitor in London. Ben is away in the field and the officials she reports to shrug off her concerns even though the threat appears to be targeting the Spirit Corps and its vital work.

Ginger and another brave member of her direct team set out to the front to try to uncover clues. They are accompanied by Ben’s batman, an unimposing soldier. Ginger is pushing herself under extreme stress, but she has a secret soldier at her side. Their efforts to gather information are challenged by Ben’s cousin who competed with Ben, the heir, all of their childhood.

Ginger has to use unconventional sources to battle the enemy and unmask a traitor who is threatening her close friends as well as her allies. There is heartbreak and sorrow and Ginger has to dig deep in her character to brave the danger and losses.

This story is well written and creative. There is good action and mystery, tense suspense and a sweet love story. I found it all engaging and recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and military (WWI) mystery.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize initially that the author, Mary Robinette Kowal, narrated her own story. There were moments where the voice seemed whispered and a strain to hear, but for the most part I was impressed by the voices and fitting presentation. I am glad that I listened to this on audio.

Source: 8/2/18 Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.