Audio Review: Her Ruthless Protector Caitlyn O'Leary

This is good military intrigue with sexy romance.

Her Ruthless Protector (Amazon Link)
by Caitlyn O’Leary
Narrated by: Ryan West and Savannah Richards

Length: 6 hours 28 minutes
Review Copy Provided by The Audio Flow, LLC
Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

It Only Took a Moment for Him to Know She Was His
Navy SEAL Kane McNamara has his mission. Four potential terrorist targets in Oman. His job is to keep everyone safe and try to figure out where al-Qaeda will strike next. Guarding an International Music Show is on the bottom of Kane’s list until he meets the woman organizing the event, then all bets are off. She’s fun, feisty and their chemistry is off the charts.
Has She Finally Met Her Match?
A.J. Lancaster has never met anyone like Kane. Nobody's ever given her this much crap or been this much fun. Her job doesn't give her a spare second to think, but she'll make time to flirt with the most interesting man she's ever met. The fact that he’s insanely gorgeous in that rough mountain man sort of way might also be why she’s taking a minute to enjoy some man candy.
It's Turning Deadly...Fast
Soon Kane, A.J., and the rest of the Night Storm SEAL team realize the music show is the next target. When bullets fly, it’s down to Kane and his team to stop al-Qaeda’s plans, and Kane must ensure that the stubborn woman he loves stays alive so they can have their chance at a happy ending.

Review:
Kane is a Navy SEAL who is dedicated to his work and his team. The team is on a mission to gain information and prevent a terrorist strike which they suspect will take place at one of four locations in Oman. One of the possible targets is an International Music Show. Kane isn’t convinced this is a legitimate target but becomes more interested when he meets the organizing manager, A.J. Lancaster. He is instantly smitten.

A.J. is a bright, confident young woman who has learned from childhood that she is the only person she can fully rely on. The men in her life have tended to be MIA when they were most needed. Now she has met a handsome, committed SEAL who is a force to be reckoned with. She won’t bow to him, but she does recognize his strengths. She determines that she can squeeze in a little time for a sassy and fun flirtation.

When accidents begin to interrupt the show practices, the team begins to dig in harder for information. The team faces danger and loss as well as frustration when they don’t get the support they need from state authorities. Kane is prepared to take risks to protect his team and prepared to risk his heart to secure the woman he has his sights on.

There is wonderful intensity in this story which has a strong plot that supports the strong romance. I wasn’t thrilled by the early foul language, but it seemed to lessen as the story progressed. I found this to be an engaging military romance that is worth pushing through to enjoy. I wouldn't mind reading more in this series. I would certainly recommend this to readers who enjoy a combination of military intrigue and sexy romance.

Audio Notes: Ryan West and Savannah Richards do a nice job sharing the narration from the perspectives of Kane and A.J. I felt they captured the strength and confidence of the two characters. The narration helped me enjoy this story as a quick (6hr28min), entertaining listen.

Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures) by Andy Stonehouse

This is a cute childrens' book.
Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse

Series: Rosie Bears Adventures (Book 1)
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Moosehead Publishing (July 17, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1916180406
Genre: Animals, Children's Book
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Lily wakes up one morning and can’t find one of her favorite toys. Along with Rosie Bear, Lily goes on a mystery hunt around the house in which they live to find their missing friend. Along the way she encounters other inhabitants of Lily’s world who help her along the way. ‘Where Are You Moosehead? Is the first in a series of books that follows the adventures of Lily and Rosie Bear as they experience the magic of growing up.

Review:
Lily loves her Rosie Bear and Moosehead and takes them with her everywhere. But one morning she cannot find Moosehead. She searches throughout the house, seeking help from other ‘friends’.

I found the story cute although the rhyming isn’t always set in easy timing for reading outloud. This probably will not bother the targeted young audience. The illustrations are artfully natural, charming and fitting to the tale. I recommend this as a sweet story that can be enjoyed by children and parents.

Source: Oct-November 2019 Review Request from Publishing Push – Thank you.

Audible Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent by Larry Correia

This is a bit zany, but fun!

The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Adam Baldwin

Series: The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-24-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary, #SciFiMonth2019
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
Have you ever seen a planet invaded by rampaging space mutants from another dimension or Nazi dinosaurs from the future?
Don't let this happen to you!
Rifts happen, so you should be ready when universes collide. A policy with Stranger & Stranger can cover all of your interdimensional insurance needs. Rated "Number One in Customer Satisfaction" for three years running, no claim is too big or too weird for Tom Stranger to handle.
But now Tom faces his greatest challenge yet. Despite being assigned the wrong - and woefully inadequate - intern, Tom must still provide quality customer service to multiple alternate Earths, all while battling tentacle monsters, legions of the damned, an evil call center in Nebraska, and his archnemesis, Jeff Conundrum. Armed with his Combat Wombat and a sense of fair play, can Tom survive? And will Jimmy the Intern ever discover his inner insurance agent?
It's time to kick ass and adjust claims.
Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) performs Larry Correia's madcap interdimensional tale of underwriting and space travel, where the only thing scarier than tentacle monsters is a high deductible.
©2016 Larry Correia (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Tom Stranger is an international insurance agent in a world where there are multiple alternate Earths. The alternate worlds are not supposed to bleed into each other but more and more there seem to be rifts in the divided worlds.

Fortunately for many, Tom is a sincere and successful insurance agent and claim negotiator who has been rated number one in customer service for three years. Sometimes his job is a huge challenge. He has recently requested and been assigned an Intern. He should have gotten a top of the class candidate. Instead, he was sent Jimmy who is an unimpressive wimp who seems afraid even of his own shadow.

Jimmy isn’t prepared to travel in space much less face purple tentacled monsters, a hoard of demons and Tom’s greatest competitor, Jeff Conundrum. Fortunately, Tom is a skilled negotiator with words and sometimes with weapons, especially his trusty Combat Wombat. But Tom’s success has made him a target for Conundrum who figures a perfect bait to lure Tom in. Has Jimmy learned enough watching Tom at work to help rescue Tom from the enemy trap?

The story follows Tom in a busy day of claims and negotiations. I enjoy Correia's Monster Hunter International series and his wild imagination comes forth with zany exuberance in this new series filled with social satire and insurance jokes. Adding to the fun are references to sci-fi series (like Firefly), actors like Adam Baldwin (Chuck in Firefly) and Chuck Norris, and political figures like Barrack Obama and Joe Biden. Even Correia himself has a spot in the adventures. I recommend this to readers looking for a quick break filled with laughter.

Audio Notes: Adam Baldwin delivers a strong performance matching the irreverent material. Baldwin provides some good voice impressions and a couple that completely fail – with humor!
I am glad this was provided as a free Audible Original as I might not have picked it up otherwise. Now I know where to go for a zany listen and I know I can look for other works narrated by Adam Baldwin.

Source: July 2019 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook and #SciFiMonth goal.

MBS November 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - NOVEMBER

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
Favorite for November: 5 Star Christmas Eve, 1914
Four books 4.5 Stars: Sackett's Land, Bark of Night, Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings, and Scythe.

1. A2019- Audio Book Review: The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6 by Stacey Rourke; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles; Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Supernatural Thriller, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour; Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
3. eB2019- Book Review: Reasons to Kill God by I.V. Olokita; Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
4. NG2019-#NetGalley Book Review: Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. A2019- Audible Book Review: Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier; Genre: Dramatization, Fiction, Historical; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
6. eTBR- Book Review: The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick; Genre: Historical, Holiday Romance, Short Story, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
7. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: One Wish by Jodi Thomas; Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday, Novella, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
8. eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Evergreen A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor; Genre: Historical, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
   
9. eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Christmas Scandal...Not! by Jeanne Savery; Genre: Historical, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Small Town, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
11. ebTBR- Book Review: Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths; Genre: #HoHoHoRAT, Holiday, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
12. eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas) by Kevin Whitlark; Genre: Cats, Holiday, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
13. eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Santa's Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsay; Genre: Holiday, Short Story; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
15. eTBR- Book Review: A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews; Genre: Cats, Holiday, Short Story, #HoHoHoRAT; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
16. eTBR- Book Review: A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson; Genre: History, #HoHoHoRAT, Short Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
17. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski; Genre: Anthology Fantasy, Short Stories, Sorcery, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.
18. NG2019-#NetGalley Book Review: Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters; Genre: Holiday, Romance, Short Story, Time Travel Romance, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
19. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman; Genre: Death, Dystopia, Teen & YA, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.
20. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
21. ATBR- Audible Book Review: An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris; Genre: Alternate History, Historical Fantasy, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
22. eBTBR- Book Review: Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1) by Ginger Booth; Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Sci Fi, #SciFiMonth, Short Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
23. A2019- Audible Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent by Larry Correia; Genre: Fantasy; Sci Fi, #SciFiMonth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Total read = 23; TBR = 16; New Authors = 16
Audio/Audible = 9 (7 TBRs)
eBook = 9 (9 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0
Review books (other than NG) = 1 (+ 1 audio)

Goal Progress:
Met Goodreads Goal of 150; plus 30
Total Read to Date: 180
TBR to Date: 104 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 28 of 24
Audio to Date: 100 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 51 of 40
Author Reviews: 8 of 12
Nonfiction: 12 of 12

• ebTBRs: 1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +0 +1 +2 +1 +7 +9
• Author titles: 1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 +1 +0 +0 +2
• New to me Series: 5 +5 +8 +10 +8 +9 +9 +7 +8 +7
• Continuing for me Series: 3 +1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2 +2 +1 +2 +3
• Title with Month in it: 1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +0 +0 +0 +0 +1 +0
• Seasonal title: Winter 1; Spring 2; Summer (on hold);
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April + 0 May + 1 June + 1 July + 1 August + 0 September + 0 October + 0 November
(One letter left: X)

Sunday Post December 8, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 9, 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.

My office staff enjoyed a fun woman's club Christmas event on Tuesday night - an auction party. We are known for getting the bids started and occasionally bidding against each other by mistake. It makes for a fun time. Then I had a nice woman's club luncheon on Thursday. This week the office will attend three Christmas events and I will attend two more for church. In between, I intend to keep working away at probates and litigation, plus several title closings.

Saturday morning we found some bucks fighting in the back yard.

They were first clashing behind the shed; then moved further into the yard.

Our temperatures have remained cooler this week occasionally reaching the low 70s.
We are trying to prepare ourselves for cold weather when we visit Illinois later this month.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this past week. I finished one audiobook (although I am far into another), one child's book and one NetGalley ebook.   I posted three reviews on the blog and my usual memes.

I visited only 15 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Lampshade Reader. "Turn on the light; read all night." Aleen says: "Reading by lampshade since the age of 13, all I needed was a good book and a cozy blanket. Not much has changed since then." It sounds like me although I was reading by flashlight at an early age.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 1, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 2, 2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris; Genre: Alternate History, Historical Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 6, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/12/2019.

• eBTBR- Book Review: Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1) by Ginger Booth; Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Sci Fi, Short Story; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 8, 2019 Advent Week 2.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Computer (PublPush2019)

Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures)
by Andy Stonehouse
This is a cute childrens' book.
Source: Oct-November 2019 Review Request from Publishing Push.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MPS (AReview2019)

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary
This is good military intrigue with sexy romance.
Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker
This is a wonderful collection!
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Pdf/Computer (eBook)

The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical
by Charlene Raddon
This is a sweet (if weak) western romance.
Source: Review request received from Babs Book Bistro.
Aurora Cavender's twin brother Jason is missing, reportedly kidnapped by a notorious gang of outlaws in Utah. Aurora feels his pain and fear. He's hurt. Determined to help, she travels to Price, Utah to board a stagecoach she's sure the gang will rob. Her hope is to discover a clue to Jason's whereabouts. A dangerous job, but one she's better equipped to deal with than many men.
To run smack into her ex-fiancee, Garret Mosely, is a shock. To learn he's part of the Hell's-Gate gang is unfathomable.
Can Aurora find her brother, free him and get the two of them to safety? And what part will Garret Mosely play in her plans?

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Push Back
The Disruption Series, Book 2
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-12-16
This is a story I don't want to put down.
Source: July 2018 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Earth reels in the aftermath of a savage solar storm, a global disaster of unprecedented proportion which leaves most of the world without electrical power or the means to restore it. Across the world, the responses of unprepared national governments are too little, too late. In the US, order collapses and opportunistic forces rise to fill the power vacuum, as what remains of a self-serving federal bureaucracy prioritizes the survival of politicians and bureaucrats over that of the general population.
As chaos and starvation spread, isolated pockets of survivors unite to survive. In Texas, Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of seamen and ex-Coastguardsmen gather their families close and resist the depredations of a hoard of escaped convicts. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a similarly determined group of survivors attempts to use salvaged resources, not only to save themselves, but also to feed the hungry.
But not everyone is happy about the efforts of the valiant and resourceful few. Secure in his Camp David compound, a corrupt president consolidates power and builds a mercenary force to deal with any possible challenges to his absolute authority and to seize all dwindling resources for government use and fair distribution.
Survivors of the natural disaster are thus dealt another blow as they're betrayed by the very government established to protect them. Do they knuckle under to a dictator, or do they push back?
©2016 Robert E. McDermott (P)2016 Robert E. McDermott

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Strands of Truth
by Colleen Coble
This looks like a good Christian Romantic Suspense and it has started well.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

December 8, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I finished a four day Light of the World - Advent Devotional study and will be starting another Advent study tonight.

I completed three books and posted three reviews. I have four reviews to do.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 11. I still have one more NG title from July that has released. I will read that one next. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13) which I guess are moving into 2020.]
I still have two author titles that I expect to carry into January 2020.
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.

I received one NetGalley request and two automatic reads I selected (still preparing for 2020TBRs).
I picked up two Audible Settlement titles, two Audible Daily Deals and one title at Chirp.
I guess I had NO free time as I added 0 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

Received from NetGalley:
The New Husband
by D.J. Palmer
"Just because you love someone doesn't mean you know them."
I saw this book at Silver's Review two weeks ago.


The Woman in the Veil
by Laura Joh Rowland
"Award-winning author Laura Joh Rowland is back with the fourth in her critically acclaimed Victorian mysteries where the case of a mutilated "Sleeping Beauty" washes ashore in London."
I wanted to try a Victorian mystery and this sounds good.

Winter Takes All
by ML Erdahl
"Crystal Rainey is aghast when she realizes her new year's resolutions haven't changed one whit from the previous year."
This sounds like a fun read for the new year.

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/6/2019 Two Audible Free Titles for Settlement:
Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 05-16-17

Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-09-18


11/30/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95:
Polar Vortex
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 04-02-19


12/7/2019 Chirp $.99
Termination Dust
Written by Alana Terry
Narrated by Becky Doughty
Release Date: May 23, 2019
Publisher: Firstfruits Publishing
Run time: 5 hours and 33 minutes

12/8/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95 - this was on my wish list. :-)

Into the Wild
Warriors, Book 1
By: Erin Hunter
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-10-17

Free

I added 0 free Kindle titles 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 December 8, 2019 - Advent Week 2

Our Sunday School teacher shared an interesting prophetic message regarding events that may occur in December 2019 and in 2020. The point was that we need to recognize that we shouldn’t ask whose side God is on, but rather we need to ask ourselves: “Whose side are we on?” We need to be on God’s side.

We enjoyed good praise and worship and our pastor shared a Christmas message on “Preparation”.

The Advent Wreath:

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

(Also known as the candle of Preparation, Waiting or Prophecy.)

Isaiah 40:3-5:
“A voice of one calling:
‘In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”

Book Review: Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1) by Ginger Booth

I liked this short dystopian prequel.
Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1)
by Ginger Booth

File Size: 3840 KB
Print Length: 52 pages
Publication Date: August 18, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B01KOXYB2K
Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The storms before the Calm.
Resourceful programmer Dee Baker is getting worried about climate change. Food prices are skyrocketing, the drought out west deepening, and the storms won’t quit. When her intrusive Fortune 100 media employer forbids her to attend the worsening riots, Dee defies them to visit a rally, and see for herself what they’re trying to hide.
Civilly Disobedient is a short prequel to the Calm Act series.

Review:
Dee Baker, a resourceful programmer with a good job, is annoyed when her employer announces that the staff are forbidden from attending any of the increasingly violent climate protests. Dee already suspects that her media employer is suppressing the truth regarding troubles in their world. She doesn’t always like to toe the line and tends to have a rebellious streak.

Dee decides to sneak into a protest to see what is really going on. She manages to get a seat on a bus loaded with a participating group that has a legal permit for the event. She soon learns that there are many other groups that are attending without permission. The crowd greatly exceeds the numbers that were planned but apparently the police anticipated the overly zealous mob.

Dee finds herself caught up in the moving masses and at risk of being arrested. Can she get out of the mob safely or will she lose her job for this impulsive adventure?

I found this short story to be well written with an engaging character and consistent flow. My attention was quickly engaged and held throughout the adventure. The plot direction isn’t fully clear for the rest of the series but I enjoyed this prequel enough to want to know where the story will go. Readers who enjoy the dystopian genre may wish to try this out.

Source: 2016 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #SciFiMonth 2019 goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 6, 2019

Happy Friday! Happy December!  Today awards the last of the doubled winners for November as we move into the last month of the year.
I have lots of GCs to pull together and get sent out in the next two weeks so I will be working on those.

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 November 29, 2019 Pick. There were TWO automatic wins 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.
bn100 gets Almost Forever
and
Elizabeth gets Treasures

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 29, 2019 Pick:
ALINA gets a GC
FREDAMANS gets a GC
and
LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES gets a GC,
BETUL 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.}

Are you starting to gather the stocking gifts?
Image found at Pinterest shared by School Library Displays.

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Connie Brockway: My Pleasure and My Seduction
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs
Long, Lean and Lethal by Heather Graham
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Treasures by Lisa Jackson (hardback)
No Limits by Alison Kent
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


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 NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,290+ 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: An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

This is easy listening, but not compelling.

An Easy Death
By: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

Series: Gunnie Rose, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Alternate History, Historical Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, True Blood, Midnight Crossroad) delivers the first thriller in a new trilogy that presents a chilling alternate history of the US where everyone believes in magic - but no one is sure whether they can trust it.
After the assassination of FDR in the 1930s, the US collapses and is picked off by the UK, Canada, Mexico, and Russia. We find ourselves in the Southwestern states, now known as Texoma. It is here that the gunnie Lizbeth Rose tries to piece out a life, running security on runs from Texoma across the border to Mexico, where work and prospects are stronger.
When two Russian magicians come looking for a man named Alex Karkarov, they hire Lizbeth to find him or his family, but there are problems: The man they're looking for is dead, but he has a daughter they now need to find, as an ever-growing set of sorcerers and gunnies do not want them to succeed. It's a good thing Lizbeth is a deadly gunfighter; too bad she hates sorcerers, even the ones on whom she has to learn to rely.
Number-one New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries, True Blood, Midnight Crossroad) returns to fantasy in a taut thriller set in a US where magic is an acknowledged truth, but disreputable.
©2018 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2018 Recorded Books

Review:
Lizbeth Rose’s world is an alternate Southwest US because a flu epidemic contributed to a government collapse. This resulted in America being broken up with territories going to Canada (in the north), Mexico (to the south), Russia (in the west) and UK (in the east). Most ‘native’ Americans are frightened and cautious of Russians magicians known as Grigoris.

Lizbeth is a “gunnie” or bodyguard and guide in a bleak, rough land. She has recently suffered a loss of team members after a surprise attack by bandits. Lizbeth isn’t happy when two Russians appear at her door seeking to hire her skills but the fee they offer would allow her some security. She agrees to help them look for a man named Alex Karkarov or his rumored daughter. They fail to tell her the political importance of their mission that other sorcerers are set on preventing their success. Lisbeth and her two clients are repeatedly attacked and Lisbeth has to rely on some of their skills as they travel. But as the journey brings them to the place where the man was killed, it becomes clear that Lisbeth hasn’t told her clients some important facts,

The story moves along a deadly path to the mission’s conclusion. There is quite a bit of violence by gun and magical attacks. Although the journey makes good action, the plot doesn’t seem to present a clear purpose other than introducing gunnie Lisbeth and her alternate world. Lisbeth is a well-developed character which is more than I can say for the background history that led to this alternate US. I found the story interesting entertainment but not compelling towards further books in the series. Readers who like alternate history, magical elements and a strong heroine may want to check this out.

Audio Note: Eva Kaminsky does a reasonable job and did well with the accents. Her rendition of Lizbeth sounded a little older than the character who is (I think) no older than her early 20s. Still, I am glad I had the book to listen to as it was an easy listen.

Source: 12/16/18 November Credit at Audible. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and #SciFiMonth 2019 goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley

I really enjoyed this 'bubbly' summer romance.
A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley


File Size: 2500 KB
Print Length: 407 pages
Publisher: Transworld Digital (March 21, 2019)
ASIN: B07DXG729W
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.
And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

Review:
Lottie was excited to move to London with her new boyfriend. Slowly she realizes that he is cutting her off from others, becoming over-controlling and edging towards abuse. Lottie makes a smart choice to go home before things get worse. She arrives to find her sister in distress over estrangement from her husband over their childless status and her father ready to head out on a trip he never got to take before her mother died. Lottie is desperate to find a place to live and to find a job. She is shocked to fall into a live-in position as a manager of a local vineyard.

Butterworth Wines is owned by Betsy, a recent widow whose husband was the leader and driving force behind the vineyard. Most of the workers are volunteers. Although Lottie knows nothing about viticulture (vine growing and harvesting), she is willing to work hard and learn fast. This works especially since everyone is thrilled to let her take control. The only person challenging her inexperience is Betsy’s grandson, Jensen. He thinks it is best to sell the vineyard and facilitate Betsy moving into an assisted living situation.

Lottie is quick to begin to turn things around at the winery and she would like to keep the property in the Butterworth family to honor the founder. She has only been engaged for six months and doesn’t know if she can convince Jensen to continue the business especially when he is on the brink of promotion in his business career. And that is how things stand when a new discovery rocks her world with a ripple effect that will impact everyone in the story.

I am not usually a big fan of relationship drama but this story leans to humor and is simply charming, interesting and engaging. Lottie is a wonderfully real character with strengths that outweigh her insecurities. I loved how her personal journey developed and I enjoyed the support she received from the quirky, passionate characters around the vineyard. Jensen is also a lovely character and their relationship conflict bounces between struggle and joy.

The setting and winery experience is a great element. I enjoyed learning about viticulture and its growth in Britain as well as some of the details and difficulties of the process of making wine. There is good movement in the story and light humor that helps with the enjoyment. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a relationship story that will bring sighs and smiles. I will have to look for other romances by Ms. Bramley.

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