Audible Book Review: Western Christmas Weddings by Jenna Kernan

These are three charming Christmas romances.
Western Christmas Weddings
3 Western Novellas
By: Jenna Kernan
Narrated by: Cody Roberts
Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Unabridged
Release date: 08-10-17
Publisher: Jeannette H. Monaco
Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Three western audiobook novellas of Christmas brides engaged in holiday romance!
"The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" - On the run for a crime she didn't commit, Eliza Flannery escapes apprehension by posing as the new housekeeper of a stranger, only to discover afterwards, that he is the town's sheriff! Now she needs to create a Christmas celebration for his young daughter, but when the real housekeeper appears, will Eliza find the forgiveness of the season, or spend Christmas in jail?
"His Brother's Bride" - Only a cold woman would marry a man she's never met, even if it was her husband's last request. But with her daughter to care for, Clara Justice agrees to marry the family's black sheep and be Nate's wife, but she's not opening her heart, not even if it is Christmas.
"Fallen Angel" - When Ford Statler accidentally shoots a young widow who is cutting a Christmas tree for her little boy, Abby March falls under his care and protection. Now he's got more than he bargained for, making a Christmas to remember for a widow and her young son. But will she let him offer her so much more?
©2017 Jeannette H. Monaco (P)2017 Jeannette H. Monaco

Review:
These are three engaging and sweet historical romance novellas. The blurb gives the brief descriptions. The characters were warm and varied. The men needed a bit of a change of heart while the women tried to resist falling for them as they might not be the best choice. Although the stories involved women facing difficulties and reluctant heroes (at first), the author succeeded in making each different and engaging.

I think that "The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" was my favorite with it’s lighter character and humor. There is also a good moral message shared. This would be a nice romance collection to enjoy anytime but I really enjoyed listening to them during the holiday season.

This is the first time I have read this author's works but I will be glad to look for other books she has written. I would also look for the narrator's work too. I highly recommend this story to reader's who enjoy warm, clean historical romance. 

Audio Notes: Cody Roberts provided excellent narration. He gave the men, women and children suitable and distinct voices. His performance brought the stories alive and added to my enjoyment.

This is a newer, 2017, title from my Audible shelf. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: A State of Treason by David Thomas Roberts

This is entertaining with lots of action and suspense.

A State of Treason
By: David Thomas Roberts
Narrated by: Charles Craig
Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Unabridged
Release date: 05-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Vibrant Technologies
Genre: Action, Alternate History, Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A US president with outward contempt for the Founding Fathers and the limits of the US Constitution, who's administration is rocked by scandals....
The Governor of Texas, the self-described mortal enemy of the president, directs a legendary Texas Ranger to rescue a Tea Party organizer from the clutches of federal agents. The resulting struggle sets the stage for a cataclysmic power struggle between officials in Austin and Washington, DC, further polarizing the nation and resulting in arrest warrants for duly elected state officials.
The rest of the country and, the world, watches in awe and despair as the "Texas Crisis" unfolds, affecting world financial markets amid skyrocketing fuel prices. The Texas legislature sends the vote to the people of Texas and the president orders the vote stopped as he suspends the Second Amendment and declares martial law. Texas is now in A State of Treason.
©2014 David Thomas Roberts (P)2015 David Thomas Roberts

Review:
This is the sequel to Patriots of Treason in the Patriots Series. It picks up where book one ended and continues the political struggles, including the Federal corruption and brutality, that are the basis for Texas considering seceding from the United States.

The story moves along well and includes good action which keeps it entertaining. There are several key characters, good guys and villains, who are life-like personalities. Particularly the legendary Texas Ranger, Pops Younger, is a strong character who encompasses the “don’t mess with Texas” attitude.

The plotline made me ponder how I would feel about any state taking sides against the Union that we love. The author incorporates some timely political issues. Of course, in this book the corruption, including lies, cover-ups and murder, was truly extreme, providing a basis for the actions of the Texas leadership. The cost of rebellion is great but to capitulate might result in loss of freedoms that are intended as part of the American way. I enjoyed this entertaining story of a state at odds with a corrupt Federal government. I recommend this series to readers who like alternate history, action stories.

Audio Notes: Charles Craig does a good job with the narration. His voice took a bit to get used to but pretty soon it seemed to fit the nature of the story. I found this to be good listening!

This was an Audible selection from 2017. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

MBS 2018 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge

Welcome to the fifth annual Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge!
This Challenge is hosted by Bookish Things & More where the sign up and rules can be found

Levels:
Bronze – 10 Books
Silver – 25 Books
Gold – 50 Books
Platinum – 75 Books
Diamond – 100 Books

I just made my goal of Gold in 2017 with 51 NetGalley books read and reviewed. I think I can accomplish the Gold level again this year with my reading plan.
I will try to post the monthly book list and progress here this year. Reviews will be linked as completed.

JANUARY:
1. What if God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner.

MBS Audiobook Challenge 2018

The Audiobook Challenge is back for 2018!

Join Hot Listens and Caffeinated Reviewer for the 6th year of audiobook fun.
Click on either site for the sign up, rules and resources for audiobooks.

I love listening to Audiobooks. Here are some of the times I listen: while doing chores (laundry, gardening, housework, etc), while walking, while putting on make-up and getting dressed, while driving, when going to sleep.

THE LEVELS:
Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15
Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+
Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

I completed 79 Audiobooks in 2017 so I will stick with MARATHONER Status again this year.
Since I keep a WORD docx with the list, I should be able to add the books here monthly to keep track of my progress.
Reviews will be linked as completed.

JANUARY 2018
1. Year One by Nora Roberts.

MBS First Book of the Year 2018

I am glad that Sheila (at Book Journey) is hosting this for the fifth year. 
Hop over to her blog to see the many choices of First Books that bloggers have picked.

It has been my practice to pick a book relating to my faith beliefs. This is one I picked up at NetGalley a week or so ago and thought it would be good to start the year off.

What If God Wrote Your To-Do List?:
52 Ways to Make the Most of Every Day
by Jay Payleitner 

What is God Asking You "To-Do" Today?

When you talk to God about His plans for you, do you tend to focus on the far-off future? Big-picture thinking is great, but don't miss out on what the Lord has in store for you today.

These 52 easy tasks will help you embrace opportunities to grow closer to God, reach out to others, and take better care of yourself. This is a to-do list for your soul.

Read a Psalm, talk to a neighbor, or right a wrong. These are just a few examples of the simple activities that will enrich your everyday life.

God is calling you to make the most of each day and live life to the fullest!

(I realized I forgot to include my picture in my own blog post :-). Here it is:)