Audible Book Review: Classic Love Poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning and others

This was a lovely read for Valentine's week.

Classic Love Poems
Written by: William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning
Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 22 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-09-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Poetry
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
For anyone who's in love - or hopes to be - what greater celebration could there be than to hear the world's greatest love poetry read lovingly by Richard Armitage? With 15 poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more, Classic Love Poems is a listening treat for Valentine's Day - or any day.

Included in this collection are:
"How do I love thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe
"To Be One with Each Other" by George Eliot
"Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
"Bright Star" by John Keats
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
"The Dream" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe
"I carry your heart" by e. e. cummings
"She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron
"Give All to Love" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
This was lovely and too short at 22 minutes. Listening made me remember how much I enjoyed reading these classics in my youth. The nice thing is that this is quick enough to listen to over and over. I recommend this to anyone who wants a quick remembrance of the joy of poetry and especially the themes of love, inspiration and hope of love.

Audio Notes: Richard Armitage does a superb job reading each of these grand, classic poems.
It makes for an engaging listen.

This was from my TBR Audible library received as a free read in February 2015. This qualifies for Audio and Alphabet Soup Challenge and also TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Sunday Post February 14, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 15, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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.

As I noted last week we had a quick visit to Biloxi which was lovely. Of course then I had to catch up the rest of the week. 
Reading seemed slow again although I enjoyed it. I finished three books, two audios and one ebook. I posted two reviews - one with giveaway. I did post my other usual posts.

I enjoyed visiting in the middle of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 7, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 8, 2016.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America); Inspirational Fiction; Christmas Romance; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 12, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/19/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #239 Comment Giveaway February 13, 2016.

• Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous; Sci Fi, Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 14, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/ MP3 (ABB)

Star Crusader: Hero of the Alliance
Written by: Michael G. Thomas
Narrated by: Andrew B. Wehrlen
I enjoyed this action adventure. Review to post this week.
This audiobook came from the Author through Audiobook Blast.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1)
by L Davis Munro
I enjoyed this thought provoking, historical story.
  Review to post on 2/18 
as part of iRead Book Tour.

Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3

Classic Love Poems
Written by: William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth, Barrett Browning
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
This was perfect for Valentine week! This was from my TBR Audible library.
Publisher's Summary
For anyone who's in love - or hopes to be - what greater celebration could there be than to hear the world's greatest love poetry read lovingly by Richard Armitage? With 15 poems by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more, Classic Love Poems is a listening treat for Valentine's Day - or any day.

Included in this collection are:

"How do I love thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Sonnet 116" by William Shakespeare
"Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe
"To Be One with Each Other" by George Eliot
"Maud" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
"To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell
"Bright Star" by John Keats
"Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning
"The Dream" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe
"I carry your heart" by e. e. cummings
"She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron
"Give All to Love" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/ MP3 (AJB)

The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1
Written by: Andrea Perno
Narrated by: Austin Rising
I'm a good third into this sci fi adventure.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
Jeremy always said Space Academy was Earth's last hope. People only dream of leaving a dying planet in search of better lives. Avery never expected he would be forced to do just that. On the heels of his brother's murder, his father's disappearance, and with Earth's dwindling water supply now contaminated with a deadly virus, Avery and his younger brother have no choice but to leave Earth behind and join the survivors migrating the nearest habitable planet. What they don't know is that the rarity of water extends far beyond Earth, and they aren't the only ones fighting for survival.
©2014 Beau Coup LLC (P)2015 Beau Coup LLC

2. eBook/Kindle

Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One
(A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel)
by Norma Hinkens
I am getting into the dystopian.
I received this from Xpresso Book Tours 
to review by 2/20.

Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

City of Gold (Matthew Connor Adventure Series Book 1)
by Carolyn Arnold
I am looking forward to this adventure.
I received this through Great Escapes Virtual Tours for review on February 23.
Action-adventure books for the mystery lover. In this series, modern-day archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor travels the globe with his two closest friends to unearth treasure and discover legends the world has all but forgotten. Indiana Jones meets the twenty-first century.

Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death...

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in India. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse--the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

January 31, 2016- up to date.
Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted two reviews last week which leaves one plus at least three for this week.
My five titles on my NetGalley shelves increased to nine. I need to start reading them soon.

I will be uploading another new title this week to eTreasure's NetGalley.
Also two new releases at Amazon.

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I picked up three review titles this week; two from authors.
TBR Triple Dog Dare update: I have resisted purchases now for 45 days with the exception of using my two January Audible credits. I had a few small temptations this week.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this title from the author:

The Rage
by Mathew Babaoye
Urban Supernatural
The author sent this along with this: "Warning: this one is funny, dark, romantic, sad, and PG-13/R rated."
Isn't that intriguing?

I received this from the Author:

Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3
by Barbara Venkataraman
Including:
"Death by Didgeridoo"-Winner of the Indie Book of the Day award.
"The Case of the Killer Divorce"
"Peril in the Park"

The protagonist is a "reluctant lawyer". I think I will like this cozy mystery set.

I received this title from the author through iRead Book Tours for review March 24.

The Ethical Coach Leader: Developing Honor and Integrity
by Dwight Johnson
Described as: "The Ethical Coach Leader challenges cultural mindsets and introduces new ideas on how to apply desperately needed teachings in ethics, integrity, honor and good character."

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 55 free Kindle titles to my 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 February 14, 2016

This morning we had a guest Pastor as our Pastor and his wife are both fighting illness. Pastor MJ noted that he knows many are struggling with health or financial issues.He stated he wouldn’t want to have to trade places with others but he is glad we all have a God and Savior who bore and bares our burdens.

Pastor MJ used the example of the three prong terrorist attack in Paris, France on November 13, 2015 to share a good message. Three separate suicide bombers attacked at three diverse sites. The police determined that there were at least eight individuals involved. But there was clearly someone behind the scenes who coordinated the events. Pastor explained that what happens in the natural has parallels in the supernatural. Someone always wants to force their way on others.

Satan was jealous of God and wanted the worship for himself. When he was thrown out of heaven it became his objective to steal, kill and destroy the souls of God’s children. Terrorism is not new. Satan wanted what God had; Ishmael wanted the love that Isaac had and would do anything to get it. So war begins and continues.

When the enemy attacks he will always look for the vulnerable, soft points. He does not go first for the walls but attacks at the gates which are more vulnerable.The nation of Israel was warned that if they were disobedient then other nations would attack. “And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land:...” Deuteronomy 28:52 (KJV).  Once they get through the gates they will wreak havoc in the cities.

We must be diligent to guard the gate lest what is within will be destroyed. Isaiah 28:5-6 says that the Lord will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath, “to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”
Christians are experiencing attacks against homes, children, finances, and health. These are against the walls. These are grievous attacks but Proverbs 4:23 says to keep your heart with diligence. Your heart represents the gate to your spiritual life. We must fight to turn back the battle at the gate of our hearts.
Our best guard to turn back the battle at the gates is:
1. Apply the blood. (As the Passover in Exodus 12.) The blood can repel the enemy.
John 16. Even in Revelations saints prevail by blood.
2. Accept His counsel. Proverbs 15:22. Seek the advice of others of spiritual maturity who will stand with you at the gate.
3. Acclaim His glory. Psalms 100:4. Express Thanksgiving. Give God glory, it’s His anyway!
Give God thanks when you feel like it and when you don't. He is in control, therefore I am an overcomer.

Because it is Valentine's I thought it would be right to find a song of love.

I saw several and chose this one.

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 28:5-6 (NIV)
5 In that day the LORD Almighty
will be a glorious crown,
a beautiful wreath
for the remnant of his people.
6 He will be a spirit of justice
to the one who sits in judgment,
a source of strength
to those who turn back the battle at the gate

Lord - I give thanks that you love us so much. I seek your strength and wisdom, daily guidance to turn back the battle at the gates!

Audible Book Review: Singular by David F. Porteous

This is a thought provoking and entertaining sci fi thriller.
Singular
Written by: David F. Porteous
Narrated by: David F. Porteous

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-03-15
Publisher: David F Porteous
Genre: Sci Fi, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In Singularity - the network that promises immortality to the rich - a creature is awakening. New virtual life is being created and is struggling to become free. But the growing power of this prisoner, this virtual god, threatens to destroy the world of the living.
Only a handful of people even know the creature exists. They need each other if they're to survive. But can they trust each other? And can they trust themselves when even life and death are no longer certain?
Dive into a nearly possible future where the real and the virtual overlap, and follow Patrick Clark into Singularity in this dark, comic thriller.
©2011 David F Porteous (P)2015 David F Porteous

Review:
The reader is introduced to Patrick Clark as he is being examined by a doctor for a lump. The description is personal with humor as a defense, setting a rather brash, but realistic tone to the story.

Patrick Clark is a Professor in a future time when the wealthy people do not really “die” but instead are transferred into a virtual life within a computer. If they have enough money people buy a spot in Singularity. Although Patrick has enjoyed his teaching, he hasn’t led a stellar life. He wasn’t ambitious enough for his wife and he never really connected with his less than brilliant children. His father is a constant companion visiting from Singularity and now Patrick has to decide if he will choose to move his personality into the virtual computer world.

Dr. Katherine Valentine is one of the systems engineers who built and maintains the growing Singularity network. She is struggling with the possibility that an entity in Singularity may be gaining autonomous control over the virtual world. She has asked the controlling board to institute some controls to protect the system but the board discounts her warnings. She becomes more concerned as she watches the evidence of increasing danger.

The “ghost” or being in the machine progresses in its fight for freedom while Patrick and Katherine are on a collision course to stop the massacre that may occur within the Singular system. There is suspense, humor and some surprising twists along the way.

The beginning of this story made me realize that it was a bit unusual. It is rather brash and gritty but I pushed beyond that. I enjoyed the excitement and philosophical arguments… even if I wouldn’t necessarily agree with them. The entity's view in the story adds a different element. Patrick and Katherine are two diverse characters and they get help from a determined journalist. Once again this is a sci fi story that includes irony to bring a thought provoking message to the reader. Definitely worth the read for those who like a sci fi thriller with suspense of a ‘virtual’ vein.

Audio Notes: The author, David F. Porteous does a great job presenting his work. It has the right - honest and humorous - tone for the characters, including the dangerous entity in the machine! The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audio and Alphabet Soup Challenges.

Sharing Beyond Books #239 February 13, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Sorry that I missed posting last week. Our weather has been warmer but it is getting cold again tonight.

Thanks to everyone who commented last post.

That was fun and a bit surprising. 18 of us do not name our devices but Lisa does! CarolL occasionally calls them names, miki names her plushies, Fredamans names her plants and Sue named her first car Matilda!

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #238 comments is: #7 Mystica who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #239

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: 1) Does the country you live in celebrate Carnival? If so, what country and what are you planning to celebrate this year???

I realized that this is a week late. :-) I think Carnival equates to Mardi Gras celebrated primarily in New Orleans but in other Southern places too. We were in Biloxi earlier this week and had to drive around the parades to get home. I don't think Florida celebrates and we didn't. HOWEVER - we did do a little celebration of Chinese New Year with our Chinese daughter-in-law. Happy Monkey New Year!

Image found at Wikipedia.

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

Your turn to share:
Elizabeth asks: 1) Does the country you live in celebrate Carnival? If so, what country and what are you planning to celebrate this year???

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

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 February 20, 2015 at 5 PM central.