Sunday Post February 5, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 6, 2017

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.

I am thankful for another fairly quiet week. My second staff member was out sick with pneumonia. My daughter was still recovering from her wisdom teeth so it was difficult for her, and then her middle child ended up in the ER with high fever which was diagnosed as strep throat. Still, I completed my reporting project and got some legal work done.
Hubby and I both ended up on the weekend with sneezes and running noses. Bleh!
Our 40 degree weather has warmed up to 60s.

Reading was good but not so full. I only finished two books: one ebook and one audible. I posted three reviews on the blog and posted all of my usual memes.

I got to visit 25+ blogs again this past week.
My shout out this week goes to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. Kathy is another prolific blogger, tour and giveaway host.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 29, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 30, 2017.

• eTBR- Book Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway: The Remnant by William Michael Davidson; Futuristic Sci Fi, Christian; my rating: 4.25. Ending 2/26/2017.

• Guest Post by Author William Michael Davidson.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 3, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/9/2017.

• ATBR- Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• NGTBR- Book Review: Kalico Jack by Mike Nahorniak; Illustrated Children's book; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #289 Comment Giveaway February 4, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/11/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 5, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible (TBR)

It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise
Written by: Rob J. Hayes
Narrated by: Schatzie Schaefers
I am 35% along and enjoying the performance.
This is a fun caper with wonderful narration. I received this "fantasy/steampunk heist caper with duels, romance, and airships," from the author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG TBR)

Dawn Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder
This is a wonderful continuation and conclusion to a great series!
I received this through NetGalley; Released 1/31.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. Audible (TBR)

Linesman
Written by: S. K. Dunstall
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
I received the second book for review so I am listening to book 1 in the series.
I really like it so far at 20%
(TBR Audible.)
Publisher's Summary
First in a brand-new, thought-provoking space opera series.
The lines. No ship can traverse the void without them. Only linesmen can work with them. But only Ean Lambert hears their song. And everyone thinks he's crazy.... Most slum kids never go far, certainly not becoming a level 10 linesman like Ean. Even if he's part of a small and unethical cartel, and the other linesmen disdain his self-taught methods, he's certified and working. Then a mysterious alien ship is discovered at the edges of the galaxy. Each of the major galactic powers is desperate to be the first to uncover the ship's secrets, but all they've learned is that it has the familiar lines of energy and a defense system that, once triggered, annihilates everything in a 200 kilometer radius. The vessel threatens any linesman who dares to approach it, except Ean. His unique talents may be the key to understanding this alarming new force and forever reconfiguring the relationship between humans and the ships that serve them.
©2015 S.K. Dunstall (P)2015 Recorded Books

2. eBook/Kindle (NG TBR)

From London with Love: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy
This releases 2/7/17.
Received through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Someone to Hold (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh
I always enjoy Mary Balogh's work so I am looking forward to this; received from NetGalley.
Release date is 2/7/17.
A reversal of fortune befalls a young woman in the latest Westcott novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Someone to Love.
Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery...
With her parents’ marriage declared bigamous, Camille Westcott is now illegitimate and without a title. Looking to eschew the trappings of her old life, she leaves London to teach at the Bath orphanage where her newly discovered half-sister lived. But even as she settles in, she must sit for a portrait commissioned by her grandmother and endure an artist who riles her every nerve.
An art teacher at the orphanage that was once his home, Joel Cunningham has been hired to paint the portrait of the haughty new teacher. But as Camille poses for Joel, their mutual contempt soon turns to desire. And it is only the bond between them that will allow them to weather the rough storm that lies ahead...

February 5, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two new books and posted three reviews. That gets me four for this week including one planned for 2/11.
I will be requesting more audios.
I now have 18 NetGalley Titles and 12+ author titles in my queue.

We're working on another title to go up on the eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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

I have some titles still coming but none received this week.
I did purchase two Audible Daily Deals and three $.99 Kindle titles.
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Audible Daily Deals this week and two Kindle $.99 deal:
An Accidental Death: A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 1
Written by: Peter Grainger
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
"In the end, Smith operates alone, having stepped too far outside standard procedures to ask for support. He knows that his own life might be at risk but he has not calculated on the life of his young assistant also being put in danger. "
Sounds like a good British Mystery.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Written by: Kelly Barnhill
Narrated by: Christina Moore
"A young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the dangerous magic buried deep inside her in this epic coming-of-age fairy tale from the highly acclaimed author of The Witch's Boy."
This is a children's fantasy but it sounds really good. Hopefully I can share it with one of my "grands".

Mission Pack 1: Missions 1-4 (Black Ocean Mission Pack)
J.S. Morin
"Science to build a starship. Wizardry to take it past light speed. A crew to give it a soul."

This looked like a nice bargain at $.99.


The Wanderer: Book 1 of Thunder Point series
Robyn Carr
"With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home."
I enjoyed A New Hope, Book 8 in this series and thought I would add this to my shelves.


Letters from the Apocalypse
Blake Pitcher
"Letters from the Apocalypse is the story of two people separated by the end of the world, and the letters that could bring them together again."
This post-apocalyptic sounded really interesting.

Free

I only added 48 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 5, 2017

We had an interesting Sunday School with our substitute sharing a video interview from a Reverend and his family describing their experiences visiting heaven. Pastor continued his series in James, titles “When Faith and Life Collide”.

Recapping he reminded us that we all face temptation and we are God's prized possession. God has supplied us with all we need to face and overcome the battle. Then Pastor asked how many of us were good listeners. Too often people listen without absorbing what is being said. They are emotionally poised to respond, focused on making their own points. As example: Consider how many sermons have you heard over the past 10 years? Then consider if your life has changed based on those sermons.

Often, we hear things, but don't listen; we are taught but don't learn. There is a disconnect between the lesson and responsive action.

Pastor read James 19-27, stressing: do what the word says and God will bless you.
Go beyond listening to do what it says. Your response to the word has the power to save your souls. (James 21.) What is the most important information you need at this moment? At some point you have to surrender.

Sermon Point: Real change requires real action.
Change brought through obedience should be permanent, not temporary. James says it is absurd to look in a mirror, then walk away and forget what you look like. How can you experience what God has for you and not stay there?

What are you doing daily? When was your last significant change? Have you made a full connection? What has to change today? Always the step starts with repentance and changing our actions.

Think how your life could be different? Is it time for a life change? Do you need an attitude change? What could God do through us if we responded with obedience? Access where you could be and what you will do with the next days, weeks, months and years of your life.

This song seemed to fit for today.

Verses for Today:
James 21 NLT
21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Lord, again I pray, help me listen and focus on Your Will for my life; that I might do as You direct.

Sharing Beyond Books #289 Comment Giveaway February 4, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

I enjoyed the job choices noted by commenters. Six commenters are not currently working, four retired, one at home and one full time student. Two commenters have no idea what job they might like. At least three of us would like to work more with books and a fourth would like to work more online. Two would like more travel, one would like to work with animals or plants, one might like to go into politics, another might be a cashier and one would have liked to have been a teacher.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #288 comments is: #4 Becky 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 #289

(One Question.)

BN100 asks a timely question: Do you read out loud or silently??

I rarely read out loud except when I read to the grand kids. Also I sometimes like to read poetry out loud to get a better feel for it. I do let the Kindle read out loud to me -- as long as hubby isn't nearby as he doesn't like hearing the reading. The Kindle reading is not narrative performance like audio books but I still like it for allowing me to do chores while listening.

Image found at Figment.

Who knew? There is a World Read Out Loud Day! Coming up February 16, 2017.

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

Your turn to share: BN100 asks: Do you read out loud or silently??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 11, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Kalico Jack by Mike Nahorniak

This is a fun little read with a positive message.

Kalico Jack
by Mike Nahorniak

File Size: 3653 KB
Print Length: 34 pages
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing (October 6, 2016)
ASIN: B01M8F0RSM
Genre: Children
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Kalico Jack is a little different from the other Jack Rabbits so much so that he is he is constantly ridiculed. As he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to embark on a journey to find where he fits in. This adventure takes him across the western part of the United States where he makes many friends and eventually figures out what his special purpose is.

Mike Nahorniak was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is a self-taught artist who has enjoyed the adventure of living in various locations across the Western half of the United States. Some of his most famous paintings include, "Time," "Where the Antelope Play," and "Montana Moose."
He is retired from the Air Force where he served for 27 years. Mike is married with three children.

Review:

Kalico Jack is a jack rabbit with a difference – his fur is multicolored with orange and black stripes and splotches on white. Add to that two different eye colors and Kalico Jack was repeatedly made fun of by other rabbits. When he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to take travel west from his home in Chicago hoping to find a place where he fits in.

The story follows Kalico Jack as he passes through St. Louis and journeys west all the way to the coast Along the way he makes friends with bullfrogs, cows, wolves, various desert creatures, Big Foot and even a Martian (near Area 51 apparently). He checks out several national parks and, as he nears Devil’s Tower, he makes a surprising discovery. He decides he must return to the city to use his newly found skills to help others. That isn't easy and he faces a fearsome enemy. He knows he still has lots to learn, but now he feels he has a purpose.

The story is cute and imaginative, if a bit wacky. The images are beautiful and fun and I am sure that a print version would be a delight for children. There is obviously a message regarding being different and finding a way to accept one’s differences and make them an asset. I enjoyed the story and think it would be a fun read with a young person who likes adventure.

I received this title through NetGalley. This qualifies for 2017 TBR Challenge, NetGalley Challenge and “K” on Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series

This is a wonderful collection of classic sci fi short stories where, as the intro to the weekly show states: "you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds."
X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series
Written by: Ray Bradbury , Philip K. Dick , Robert A. Heinlein , Frederik Pohl , Theodore Sturgeon , Isaac Asimov , Ernest Kinoy , George Lefferts
Narrated by: Old Time Radio

• Length: 20 hrs and 5 mins
• Radio/TV Program
• Release Date:02-04-13
• Publisher: BN Publishing
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

X Minus One was a half-hour science fiction radio series broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958, in various timeslots on NBC. Initially a revival of NBC's Dimension X (1950-51), X Minus One is widely considered among the finest science fiction dramas ever produced for radio. The first 15 episodes were new versions of Dimension X episodes, but the remainder were adaptations by NBC staff writers, including Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, of newly published science fiction stories by leading writers in the field, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl, and Theodore Sturgeon, along with some original scripts by Kinoy and Lefferts.
Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit", Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven", Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", Pohl's "The Tunnel Under the World", J. T. McIntosh's "Hallucination Orbit", Fritz Leiber's "A Pail of Air", and George Lefferts' "The Parade".
The program opened with announcer Fred Collins delivering the countdown, leading into this introduction (although later shows were partnered with Galaxy Science Fiction rather than Astounding Science Fiction):
"Countdown for blastoff.... X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one.... Fire!" [Rocket launch SFX] "From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future; adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction presents...X Minus One.
©2012 BN Publishing (P)2012 BN Publishing.

Review:
This audio book consists of stories originally broadcast on radio in 1955. The dramas are very engaging and I enjoyed the voice production and background sounds. Each story runs about 25 minutes so they are great for little snippets although the introduction and ending credits for each one become a little annoying. I could just picture an older generation sitting in front of the radio listening.

My favorite was Heinlein's “The Green Hills of Earth” which tells the tale of a space mechanic who protects the ship when automation fails. He becomes a beloved space “sailor” traveling along the freight lines and writing songs to sing on his guitar. A very special song is about the green hill of his home planet.

Another one that I really liked was George Lefferts' "The Parade". A wealthy man asks a slick public relations man in New York to prepare a plan to announce “the Martians are Coming.” The PR man is thrilled to have the high paying job and thinks the ad plan is for a new spectacular movie. The campaign will culminate in a gala parade to introduce “the Martians” to the city.

The stories are classic sci fi with the twist of irony I have come to expect in science fiction. There is a bit of humor and a strong dose of creepy horror. I do think it is fun that some of the stories treat the 1970s or '90s as a future world. I recommend this to those who enjoy vintage sci fi and like the idea of the broadcast format.

Audio Notes: If you have ever listened to an old radio broadcast you know how they are presented with good actor voices and background stories, including music building to enhance the mystery and danger.

This is from my Audible library, picked up in 2016 and planned for Vintage Sci Fi. It qualifies for my 2017 TBR and Audio challenges and “X” in Alphabet Challenge.