MBS August 2018 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2018 Reading List - AUGUST

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
Favorite for August: One Perfect Spring and Silent Threat (4.75) and then I had 7 titles rated 4.5!
I enjoyed a lot of good reading/listening this month.

1. A2018- Audio Book Review: Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly; Contemporary Romance, Holiday; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
2. Goodreads- A2018- Into the Storm (Iron Kingdoms) by Larry Correia, Ray Porter (Narrator); Fantasy, Military; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
3. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder; Noir, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
4. Goodreads- A2018- River of Bones (Destroyermen, #13) by Taylor Anderson (Goodreads Author), William Dufris (Narrator); Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
5. 2018LBC Print- Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
6. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
7. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann; Fantasy; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
8. 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
9. AudioTBR- Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti; Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven III; Preparedness, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.
12. 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
13. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
14. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 3.75 of 5.0.
15. ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.
16. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

I exceeded my goal of 15 per month but didn't read as many TBRs as I would have liked.
I am 6 books ahead on my 2018 Goodreads Challenge with 113 of 160.
Total read = 16; TBR = 6; New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 9 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 4 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 3 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

#NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton

I enjoyed the interesting elements in this romantic suspense.

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)

by Dana Marton

File Size: 3738 KB
Print Length: 311 pages
Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 2, 2018)
ASIN: B071VF6YV4
Genre: Military, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.
But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

Review:
Annie Murray is a calm, ecotherapist who loves her strays. She is using her unique therapy skills at a rehab center for vets while she gathers resources to open an animal sanctuary. She cares for unusual pets like abandoned baby skunks, two llamas, an injured donkey and more. But Annie has other ‘strays’ she doesn’t want, like an ex-boyfriend who is having trouble understanding the words “not interested” and a stalker who might be her ex or someone more dangerous.

Cole Makani Hunter is a former Navy Seal who has lost his hearing and the use of one arm. He isn’t really interested in the rehab work but he has been sent in undercover. Once he meets Annie and experiences her tough, take no guff attitude, Cole finds his protective instincts are kicking into gear. Cole is a large man who could imitate Annie, but she stands her ground with him.

The very beginning of the story is a little slow but soon Cole is introduced as a character and the banner, rapport and tension quickly pickup. I was drawn in by these characters and their vulnerabilities and strengths. I had never heard of ecotherapy but really like the idea and it was fun how the author used that with Cole’s reluctance. I also appreciated how the author portrayed the problems a deaf man would face, especially one trained as a seal to have super situational awareness. There is emotion through the story, fear, distrust, insecurity, loss and some love and joy. The protagonists may have been reluctant to see themselves together but fortunately that changes along the way.

Although this isn’t action packed, there is strong tension as harmful acts toward Annie escalate. The author provides short glimpses of a twisted villain, but the person isn’t revealed until near the end. The writing is direct and moves at a good pace. I hope to read more by this author. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense.

Source: NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2018 NetGalley Challenge.

Sunday Post September 2, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 3, 2018

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.

[I had this post almost completed when we lost power on Sunday from 6pm until 6am Monday morning.]
My work week was fairly standard again. I'm still running a bit tired at night.
Hubby and I are really enjoying the cooler mornings on our balcony watching the chickens and other birds too: cardinals, hummingbirds, doves and some finches.

I am hoping to use September as a TBR reading month as I planned to read 26 titles (Alphabet Challenge) from my own kindle shelf and I haven't been doing this. Even so I feel compelled to be reading NetGalley titles from this year too. It will be interesting to see how I blend for the month.

I enjoyed my listening and ereading and squeezed in a couple at the last of August. I finished five total: two audible titles and three ebooks. I posted five reviews (one with giveaway) and all of my usual memes.

I visited 27 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to This Is My Truth for Now. I like his 365 Daily Challenge.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 26, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 27, 2018.

• 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0. Giveaway Ended 9/1/18.

• AudioTBR- Audiobook Review: Invitation by Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti; Christian, Collection, Mystery, Sci Fi, Supernatural; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Goodreads Audible Book Review: Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 31, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/6/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep; Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 3.75 of 5.0.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 2, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
This was very well done. 
Source: Partners in Crime.
My Tour Review linked above.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
I had mixed feelings.
My review is linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
I really liked this romantic suspense.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Snapshot
By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: William DeMeritt
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
This is a good, quick mystery.
My review is linked above.
Publisher's Summary
If you could re-create a day, what dark secrets would you uncover?
From New York Times number-one best-selling author Brandon Sanderson comes a detective thriller in a police beat like no other.
Anthony Davis and his partner, Chaz, are the only real people in a city of 20 million, sent there by court order to find out what happened in the real world 10 days ago so that hidden evidence can be brought to light and located in the real city today.
Within the re-created Snapshot of May 1, Davis and Chaz are the ultimate authorities. Flashing their badges will get them past any obstruction and overrule any civil right of the dupes around them. But the crimes the detectives are sent to investigate seem like drudgery - until they stumble upon the grisly results of a mass killing that the precinct headquarters orders them not to investigate. That's one order they have to refuse.
The hunt is on. And though the dupes in the replica city have no future once the Snapshot is turned off, that doesn't mean that both Davis and Chaz will walk out of it alive tonight.
©2017 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one)
by K. Kibbee
This is fun and sweet. 
My review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2018)

All These Worlds
Bobiverse, Book 3
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
I wanted something sci fi and on the fun side 
so I chose this from my shelf.
Source: Audible 2018 April Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The epic and highly anticipated conclusion to the listener-favorite series that had countless Audible listeners (and employees) hooked from the very first Bob—featuring, as always, a flawless performance from the inimitable Ray Porter.
Being a sentient spaceship really should be more fun. But after spreading out through space for almost a century, Bob and his clones just can't stay out of trouble.
They've created enough colonies so humanity shouldn't go extinct. But political squabbles have a bad habit of dying hard, and the Brazilian probes are still trying to take out the competition. And the Bobs have picked a fight with an older, more powerful species with a large appetite and a short temper.
Still stinging from getting their collective butts kicked in their first encounter with the Others, the Bobs now face the prospect of a decisive final battle to defend Earth and its colonies. But the Bobs are less disciplined than a herd of cats, and some of the younger copies are more concerned with their own local problems than defeating the Others.
Yet salvation may come from an unlikely source. A couple of eighth-generation Bobs have found something out in deep space. All it will take to save the Earth and perhaps all of humanity is for them to get it to Sol - unless the Others arrive first.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author2018)

The Memory Tree (Carson Chronicles Book 2)
by John A. Heldt
I enjoyed the first in the series (and prior books) and this one is moving along well too.
Source: Author.
Days after barely escaping 1889 with their lives, the Carsons, siblings from the present day, resume their search for their missing parents in 1918. While Adam and his pregnant wife, Bridget, settle in Minnesota, unaware of a wildfire that will kill hundreds, Greg seeks clues in his great-grandparents' Mexico, where he finds love, danger, and enemies. At the same time, Natalie, the ambitious journalist, follows a trail to World War I France, and teen twins Cody and Caitlin rekindle a friendship with an old Pennsylvania friend haunted by her past. In THE MEMORY TREE, the sweeping sequel to RIVER RISING, several time travelers find answers and meaning as they continue the adventure of a lifetime in the age of doughboys, silent movies, and Model T's.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Mother of Pearl
by Kellie Coates Gilbert
This is our Ladies Book Club read to be discussed 9/8.
Source: I had print copies for others but was able to snag the Kindle version on sale.
How Far Would You Go for your Child?
Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as the high school counselor in her close-knit community. Without warning, everything unravels when her teenage daughter, Pearl, is betrayed and lashes out.
Nothing prepares this mother for the helplessness that follows when her attempts to steer her daughter back on course fail, and Pearl shuts her out . . . or when Barrie discovers the unthinkable about her nemesis, the football coach.
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Mother of Pearl brings us into the heart of a mother bound by an incredible burden, who ultimately finds she must recognize her own vulnerability and learn to trust in something much bigger..

September 2, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 5 books and posted 5 reviews.  That leaves me one review to post.
I'm doing pretty good adding current reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I have some older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 13. I still have one author title in queue and one more review title. Still many 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 picked up two titles from NetGalley.
I ended up with 6 audio titles.
I didn't pick up any Kindle titles.
I picked up a bunch of 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

I picked up two novellas from NetGalley:
Somewhere The Bells Ring
by Beth Trissel
"But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?"
A Christmas Novella


Light's Dawn: A Novella
by Yvette Bostic
"Light's Dawn is a stand-alone prequel to the Light in the Darkness historical fantasy series."
I like the alternative history genre.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up one Audible 8/30/18 Daily Deal $2.95
Genesis
By: Ken Lozito
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 02-27-18


8/31/18 I took advantage of 2 for 1 credit deal at Audiobooks.com. Both are reliably enjoyable authors for me:


Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Duration: 10 h 16 min



Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon
Duration: 9 h 45 min



I had lined up four  titles from the Audible $5.95 sale but since our power went out I wasn't able to complete my cart purchase. So I only bought one through my phone app. I figure the others can wait for Audible credits. One reason to purchase on sale: if regular cost is under $19.00 I like to get on sale instead of use a credit.
Commune
Commune, Book 1
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Commune, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Free

8/31 I got two Audible Free Downloads
Intro to Indoor Cycling
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Ed Hall
Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 08-30-18

Road Warrior Workouts
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Jessica Muenster, Candice Cunningham
Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 08-30-18


I added 48 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded some while on phone internet. 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 September 2, 2018

I had this post just about to go up late yesterday (Sunday) when we lost power in the house. We are blessed to have the motorcoach where we spent the night with power and ac (no internet which comes through the phone system in the house.)

We enjoyed a nice Sunday School lesson based on 1 Corinthians 1:1. Paul introduced himself as one with authority. He reminded the people that he had learned to be content because his circumstances, good or bad, didn’t control his relationship with Christ.

We shared a nice time of Worship and Praise. Pastor’s Sermon was titled Under the Blessing.
We all want to be blessed. Throughout our lives we seek blessings of one form or another: Guys get blessing from future fathers in law; couples seek pastors’ blessing; children seek blessings of their parents; employees seek blessings from their bosses.
Some people think “I'm getting a blessing so someone else must not be blessed.” Rarely someone will reject a blessing.
When someone lives under the blessing of God they know that they can face any difficulty and God will see them through.
It's not about luck, fate or fortune. It’s knowing you have God's favor.
Leviticus 26:3-12 sets out a beautiful picture of blessing but Leviticus 26:14-35 sets out a dismal picture of a curse for disobedience. (Also Deuteronomy 28.)
The blessing is conditional, beginning with “IF…”. “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,”…then….
Although the Bible passage conveys a pastoral view of blessings, the concept applies today too.
God will give you the employment or work that you need. He will give you the benefits you need. He will give you favor. He will give you peace in your home. He will give you peace in your finances. He will go where you go and protect you.
God reminds us that HE is the source of our blessings.

Point: God's blessing is conditional on our obedience to His most basic request: to put Him first.

Sometimes we try to limit God’s reach and we try to do it ourselves; we try to be self-sufficient.
We are stewards of all that God gives us. What we have, He allows us to manage. We are to Honor God with the obedience of bringing Him the first fruits. Proverbs 3:9-10 is another if then provision.
The tithe predates the law but is still applicable to our lives. Jesus never weakened the law but strengthened it.
When you get it right, He blesses.
Tithe is the first tenth of increase.
And Blessing is contagious. WHAT we give God and WHEN is a testament to the ordering of our heart’s condition (priorities).
Honor God first. 1 Corinthians 16:2.
Recognize that it is your choice to live under blessing or live under curse.
In Malachi 3:6-12 God tells his people that they are breaking covenant by withholding tithes. He challenges them to “Test me in this.”
It all belongs to God. We are stewards. If we don't return the tithe, we are stealing from God.
Choose a life of blessing.
1. Repent for failing to be obedient.
2. Bring a gift.
3. Bring the tithe to the church.
4. Then learn to give sacrificially.

This is the song I chose for this message.

Verses for Today:
Malachi 3:6-12 (NIV)
Breaking Covenant by Withholding Tithes
6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

My Prayer: I give thanks each day for God's blessings. Help me be obedient to stay under His blessings!

#NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles

This is delightfully cute.
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles(book one)
by K. Kibbee

File Size: 2841 KB
Print Length: 74 pages
Publisher: Corgi Bits (September 15, 2017)
ASIN: B074PCXX43
Genre: Children, Dogs, Pets
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun.
Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.

Review:
As an animal lover this pulled at my heart strings. I can well imagine my grandchildren enjoying the tale (tail - suitable pun!).

Theodore was a loved puppy and learned to adore his mistress. But her live changed, leaving little time for the young dog. And when a young human joined the family, Theodore found himself relegated to the cold garage. Then his human drops him off at a shelter without a backward glance.

Luckily for Theodore, a kind man find him and rescues him to be a companion in a bookstore. Theodore learns he can trust this new master and he is going to get to enjoy roaming a bookstore and sharing with children at Storytime. And that is just the beginning of the adventures for Theodore and his new friend Sam.

This is a quick read that I think would be good for children (as well as adults who are young at heart and love dogs). Theodore is thoroughly lovable and I love the idea of the spectacular spectacles introduced in this first book. I am ready for the next adventure!

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for my 2018 NetGalley Challenge.