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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb

I enjoyed the plot and character interaction in this addition to this highly entertaining series.
Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Series: In Death, Book 15
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened the door, and started swinging...
The first cop on the scene fired his stunner twice and Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: Absolute Purity Achieved.
And when a second man dies under nearly identical circumstances, Dallas starts racking her brain for answers and for courage to face the impossible... that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.


Review:
Eve begins a new investigation when called to the scene of a brutal killing. The killer was violently bludgeoning his neighbors with a baseball bat. Officer Trueheart took a few hits before he shot the man to stop him. The investigation quickly reveals that the killer, Louie Cogburn, was a sleaze bag criminal who spent hours on the computer which held the last message on the screen: “Purity has been achieved.” The case expands as more computer deaths are called in with the same screen message.

Eve pulls together her core team - Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and her husband, Roarke, as a civilian consultant - and begins the hunt for the Purity terrorists. News reporter Nadine adds to the tension and psychiatrist/profiler Dr. Mira steps in to help calm things when needed and even zany Mavis has a surprise to offer.

As usual, I enjoyed the well laid out plot and the teams work to get the conspirators. There is a nice blend of human life in this story as Eve deals with injured officers and shows a bit of the warmth and caring that lies hidden but fuels her drive to be a cop for the people.

The only thing I didn’t care for in this book was it seemed to be filled with anger. It opens with frustration and annoyance enhanced by the heat of summer. There is a lot of shouting and I was thankful for Roarke stepping in at times with his cool confidence that helps to center Eve.
I recommend this highly entertaining series to mystery lovers who like a tough female cop with great sidekick characters.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does her usual superb job of narrating these characters. I think the angry/heat tone was part of the story and Susan captured it in the narration… for good or bad. Her voices are filled with personality and it makes listening to the series that much more enjoyable.

This is from my Audible TBR and qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

MBS October 2017 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2017 Reading List - OCTOBER

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 2017

  1. eNG- Book Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost ; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
  2. A-TBR- Audible Review: Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
  3. eNG- Book Review: Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig; Christian, Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  4. P/eB-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher; Historical, Inspirational, Romance; my rating 4.25.
  5. A-Narrator- Audible Book Review: Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2 by Scott Washburn; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  6. eAuthor: Book Review: Wild Justice by M.L. Buchman; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  7. A-Author- Audio Book Review: The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda; Animals, Children, Mystery, Noir; my rating 4.25.
  8. eTour- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Fabergé Entanglement by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes; Action & Adventure, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  9. eTP- Tender Hearts by Noelle Jane Myers (eTreasures book for NetGalley and Kindle release)
  10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb; Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures; my rating 4.25.
  11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Of Treasons Born by J. L. Doty; Sci Fi, Space Military; my rating 4.5.
  12. A- Audible Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Animals, Children; my rating 4.5.
  13. ATBR- Goodreads/Audible Book Review: To Die For by Alice Clark-Platts; Mystery, Drama; my rating 4.0.
  14. eNG- Book Review: The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson; Holiday, Romance, Second Chance Romance; my rating 4.0.

Total read = 14; TBR = 5; New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 7 (4 TBRs)
eBook = 3: 1 Author, 1 Tour, 1 eTP
NetGalley = 3
Print = 1

Sunday, October 29, 2017

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

This was another busy week, including preparing for a large closing. I will be traveling to Jacksonville on Monday for the closing. That will give me 8+ hours driving time to listen to books. :-)

My reading/listening time was good this past week. I finished four books: three audios and one ebook. I posted three reviews, plus my usual memes.

I only visited 24 blogs early in the week as I didn't get to go back like I had hoped.
Shout out this week is to Book Dilettante. I love her header quote which is so true!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • eTour: Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The FabergĂ© Entanglement by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes; Action & Adventure, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25. Open Worldwide; Ends 11/17/17.
  • eNG- Book Review: Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig; Christian, Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
I enjoyed this entertainment.
  This is from my Audible TBR
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)
Of Treasons Born cover art


Of Treasons Born
A Novel of the Treasons Cycle
By: J. L. Doty
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

This is an engaging sci fi - character profile.
I picked this from my Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
A gripping military science fiction adventure starring the hero of A Choice of Treasons.
As a lifer in the Imperial Navy fighting in a war that has lasted for generations, York Ballin's only hope for an honorable discharge is the grave. But what events led up to his reluctant enlistment? What spawned York's almost fanatic loyalty to his friends - and his doubts regarding the imperial uniform he once wore with such pride?
York rarely recalls his childhood, which began with a mystery and ended at age 11 when he was given a harsh choice: Join the navy or face certain death on a prison asteroid. The navy has its own code of justice, but a youngster with curiosity and grit is able to rise in the ranks...if he's given a fair shot.
A few rigorous years later, as a newly commissioned ensign, York is assigned to the hunter-killer ship The Fourth Horseman. But when an unexpected foe kills his superior officer and leaves the crew stranded in enemy territory, the young ensign must do whatever he can to save the ship - even if it means he'll be court-martialed for treason.
Of Treasons Born is a novel of the Treasons Cycle; the series was written so that it can be listened to in any order.
©2016 J. L. Doty; published in 2016 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.



3. Audible/MP3
The One and Only Ivan cover art


The One and Only Ivan
By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
This is a charming story.
I pulled a couple of shorter audios to listen to before starting Sci Fi Month in November.
Publisher's Summary
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his own art - through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers



4. eBook/Kindle (NG)


The Christmas Room
by Catherine Anderson
This is a nice small town family and romance story.
I received this through NetGalley.
The beloved author of the Mystic Creek series gifts readers with a novel of homespun holiday cheer, as two families discover the joy of hope and redemption....
Widow Maddie McLendon has uprooted her life to move to Rustlers Gulch with her son and grandson. But as a brutal Montana winter looms on the horizon, contractors have yet to break ground on their new house, leaving them to live in a makeshift camp of trailers, tents, and sheds....
Since his wife died six years ago, millionaire rancher Sam Conacher has been content to wallow in his grief alone while keeping a tight rein on his twenty-six-year-old daughter. But now the girl has gone and fallen in love with his foolish new neighbor’s no-good son....
Maddie and Sam will never see eye to eye on anything, until a near-tragedy gives them a true glimpse into each other’s souls. And as the first snowflakes begin to fall, they’ll discover that an open heart is the biggest gift of all....




Currently Reading:
1. Print/eBook (Great Escape Tour)


King Harald's Snow Job 
(King Harald Mysteries Book 3)
by Richard Audry
I am looking forward to this.
My review through Great Escape Tours will be November 8.
It’s early December and Andy Skyberg is itching to blow town for a weekend of holiday cheer with old friends—including a date with an attractive divorcĂ©e who thinks he's hot.
But first, Aunt Bev needs a teensy bit of help. She’s managing the Girls’ Weekend Out event at the Beaver Tail Resort and could use some extra muscle. Andy figures he can spare a few hours before hitting the road.
Mother Nature, though, has other plans. A giant blizzard makes an unexpected turn. Andy and his pooch King Harald find themselves snowbound—in a hotel full of hard-partying women, stranded travelers, a hockey team, a man-eating novelist, a belligerent blogger, and one violent, devious jewel thief.
Before you know it, man and mutt are up to their noses in another case. It’s a winter wonderland of fast-paced fun and merry madness, as the sleuthing duo dig out from King Harald’s Snow Job.



2. Audible/MP3
FREE: The Undead cover art


FREE: The Undead
Deleted Scene
By: R R Haywood
Narrated by: Dan Morgan
Series: The Undead
Length: 1 hr and 3 mins
I figure this is appropriate for Halloween. I chose one more from my Audible shelf before starting the Sci Fis for November.
Publisher's Summary
After a tense day of fighting off a horde of Undead, Howie and his group of survivors must find shelter before night falls. Moving through a desecrated town, they come across an industrial estate, break into a low building and find themselves in an abandoned radio station. They decide to record their voices for posterity.
Meet Howie, Dave, their group of survivors and Meredith the dog in this free, exclusive Audible short.
©2015 R. R. Haywood (P)2015 Audible, Ltd



3. eBook/Kindle (Author)


The Letterbox
by Layton Green
I received this from the author in July
but failed to get it on my list.
It sounds like a good listen.
What if you had the chance to uncover tangible evidence of the divine? How far would you go, what dangers would you brave, in pursuit of the greatest mystery of all?
Four companions of varying beliefs, on a journey to the forgotten corners of Europe, are about to find out.
On a desolate English moor, a team of scientists unearths a two-thousand-year-old wooden box, preserved in silver and inlaid with a map of patterned gemstones. A set of runes inscribed on the box claims the map is a pathway to God.
In an attempt to decipher the map, a wealthy New Orleans collector assembles an unlikely team: a specialist in cultural antiquities who dabbles in the occult; a jaded attorney searching for meaning; a brilliant linguist who loathes organized religion; and a Catholic historian with a reputation for acquiring pieces no one else can or will.
Shackled by secrets and hidden motives, pursued by a sinister religious order, driven by an insatiable desire for answers, the four companions trek across Europe as they search for a connection among the ancient sites revealed by the map. As the hunt for truth takes them deeper into the unknown, their lives and perhaps their souls in peril, they must determine whether the letterbox is part of an elaborate, centuries-old deception—or the answer to mankind’s ultimate questions.
From critically acclaimed and bestselling author Layton Green, The Letterbox is a thrilling new mystery that weaves danger, exotic locales, breathless suspense, romance, and ancient secrets into the tapestry of an unforgettable novel.


Starting November 1 I will be listening to Sci Fi stories for Sci Fi Month.

October 29, 2017 - I am back up to date in the One Year Bible reading. I have been 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 four books and posted three reviews. That keeps me mostly up to date.
I need to link the last three weeks of reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

My NetGalley shelf is still at 13. I realized I had two author titles in my queue; one wasn't on my list but is added above.


We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.
Tender Hearts
by Noelle Jane Myers
will be available at NetGalley this week and hopefully at Kindle during this coming 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 received two audiobooks from author/narrator.
I selected two Audible daily deals.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (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
I will listen to both of these as part of November Sci Fi Month
I received this title from the Narrator:

Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller
By: L. L. Akers
Narrator: Kevin Pierce
Duration: 6 hrs and 19 mins
I like post apocalyptic and this narrator.

I received this title from the author:
10/26 from author
Virus: Earth's Last Battle
By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrator: George Napier
Duration: 9 hrs and 10 mins
This is another sci fi author that I like.

Won
NONE

Purchased
I picked up two Audible Daily Deals :
10/25/17 DD $2.95
The Lost World cover artThe Lost World
By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Glen McCready
Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

10/28/17 DD $4.95
Starship Liberator cover artStarship Liberator
Galactic Liberation, Book 1
By: B. V. Larson, David VanDyke
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins


Free
Here are some of the Free Kindle titles I picked up. (All of these may still be free):
Keep Me, Cowboy 
(2015 Montana Born Rodeo Book 3)
Nicole Helm


Dinosaur and Monster and The Magic Carpet
(Dinosaur and Monster stories Book 1)
Suzanne Pollen, Simon Culverhous

Called Together
by Steve Prokopchak (Author), Mary Prokopchak (Author)




Masters At Arms Series - Volume Two
(Masters At Arms Boxed Sets Book 2)
by Jennifer Blake



and a few more:
Fate Hates (Twist of Fate Book 1) by Tina Saxon
Savage Winds: A fast-paced apocalyptic epic adventure (Children of the Elements Series Book 1) by R.J. Merle
The Last Alley (YA Magic Urban Fantasy Adventure): House of Cards Book 1 by Michelle Erickson (Author), Trishelle Erickson (Author)

I added 63 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 October 29, 2017

We had a good Sunday School lesson on The Great Deception. I’ll share those notes another day.

Pastor continued with his sermon series “Illuminate” from Galatians.
Last week the point was: The purity of the simple gospel is primary. Everything else is secondary.

But people are drawn to two things The Law and the flesh.
The world is full of a variety of personalities with all different levels of expressiveness. God brings together all different people to be the church to accomplish the work. Some people are planners and others are “pantsters” (that’s my 'book-minded' phrase as pastor used “spontaneous”). Pastor is quiet but in the spontaneous camp. He prefers freedom and choice instead of rigid guidelines. He doesn't like ruts and routines.

In Galatians Chapter 2:1-10 Paul told the church that he was traveling there to make sure of the purity of the gospel. He even referred to the fact that there were people sent in to spy and a create trouble and division. Galatians 2:4.
Paul reminded the church that the gospel is not about traditions and the law, but about faith in Christ. He stressed the importance of preserving the truth of the message. Paul even confronted Peter to challenge his pulling back from sitting with the gentiles. v11- 21. He admonishes saying ‘don’t rebuild the law’. v18.

The purity of the Gospel is simple, but it is a big leap for the Jews to move from the law they were taught all their lives to the gift of grace.

The Point: Those who are FREE are completely free.
Free is free, not in stages.
The foundation of your belief has to be right. You can't be more free by adding law. God's grace is all that matters. If faith in Christ isn't enough to set us free, then the message means nothing.
The old self has been crucified with Christ; I no longer live but Jesus lives in me. Christ lives, not me. Don't pick up or dig up the habits of the dead. Brokenness is meant to remain in the grave. Don't enslave yourself again.

If you're not free, why not?

This song is new to me but it is beautiful and fits today’s message.
Verses for Today.
Galatians 2:19-21
19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Thank you, God, for Your Grace. Help me to stay free and not dig up bad habits from my past.

Related image

Image result for Galatians 2:19-21

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Sharing Beyond Books #326 Comment Giveaway October 28, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Related imageIt was certainly fun reading all the yummy desserts everyone likes: ice cream, chocolate desserts, cream pies, cheesecakes, angel food cake, and some more unique items like tiramasu, panna cotta, baklava and Mary P shared Port Wine Triffle (see image which looks delicious!).


~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #325 comments is: #1 BECKY 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.

**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 #326
(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: There has been many great books out in the past few years. I have 2 favorites, they are Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. What are your 2 favorites from the past few years??
This certainly isn't an easy question to answer.
The books that
came to mind for me are
From Afar by Roger Thomas

Product Details

and The Linesman Trilogy
by S. K. Dunstall.


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.
Questions for October were provided by Rose, Poetryinleaves, Natalija and Marjorie. Random.org result was 1 so Rosebud gets a book or GC.

Your turn to share. Marjorie asks: There has been many great books out in the past few years. I have 2 favorites, they are Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. What are your 2 favorites from the past few years??

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 4, 2017 at 5 PM central.

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