Hi to all my blogger friends.
I have been hoping to get on internet to let you know that my family and I are all fine after Hurricane Michael tore through last Wednesday 10/10. We had three trees fall on our house putting small holes in the roof. Only one caused ceiling damage in a guest bedroom. There are ceiling water stains in three other rooms.
Our son-in-law's car was crushed by a tree across the midsection. It is totaled. My car was hit by one tree knocking out the rear windshield and another smashing the roof, front windshield and passenger front fender. The insurance adjuster has indicated it will be declared totaled. :-( We are waiting to learn how much they value it at so we can then look for a new used car for me. My husband's jeep also took damage with a busted out rear passenger window. That is repairable and fortunately left us a vehicle to drive.
Our yard looked like a war zone after the winds either blew over, tore from the ground or broke about 90% of the trees in the yard and surrounding woods. Our son-in-law, two of his brothers and a friend were able to remove the trees from our roof and clear out our driveways within three days. It took two days for neighbors to clear our private community road so we could get out to a main road and others could get in. Out of 17 homes in our community only three did not have roof damage. Some had trees through portions of their houses and one had a tree down the center of the home!
My office building was also damaged with brick falling from a fake second story facade and a couple of small windows broken. Water damaged has caused about six ceiling panels to fall in the front room. All equipment had been moved to an interior room so it was untouched. I have been trying to get someone up on the roof to access the condition and cover it with a tarp if needed. I will try again tomorrow. Two offices to the east of mine took terrible damage, more severe than mine.
Our town was hit very hard with trees and powerlines down throughout the county. The responders and volunteers have worked hard getting streets cleared and the main traffic lights operating. We are still on curfew from 7pm to 7am and they are saying that some of us may not have power for 30 days.
Our RV was under a large metal garage cover and it suffered no damage so, unlike most people, we have had generator power and water since the storm. My husband's water treatment center for the house was in a shed that was crushed. Fortunately he was able to re-route the water lines and get water back to the house within two days. We have a generator which my husband had connected to run the refrigerators, the TV and the corner light where I work on my computer. We were running short of propane and gas fuel for the generators but were able to get out on Monday 10/16 to refill the fuel so we should be good for another week.
Our duaghter's home and second office are located in Panama City Beach. They were on the west side of the hurricane and suffered NO damage - just power outage for a week. Heather was able to get back to work on Thursday. I drove 63 miles west to another agent's office to work on a closing on Tuesday. I did not have time to get online then.
Although our modem shows as "connected" we still do not have internet service. I learned today how to tether my phone internet to the computer. It is extremely slow but at least got me to the blog so I could post this update. It may still be several weeks before I can get back on for normal posting. I am reading on Kindle and listening to Audible on the phone. I will post some pictures when I have better internet capability.
All in all we feel blessed! God protected our lives which is the most important thing. I am hoping to do some work each day as we wait for power to return to the office and home.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
MBS September 2018 Reading List Wrap Up
MBS 2018 Reading List - SEPTEMBER
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
I had another good month of reading and especially listening. I still have five reviews to post.link.
Favorite for September: 5 star books: Quest for Cosmic Justice and The Rancher's Gift and The Emperor's Soul.
4.75 - The Watchmaker's Daughter.
4.5 - three titles
- A2018- Audible Book Review: All These Worlds, Bobiverse Book 3, by Dennis E. Taylor; Military Space, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
- PTBRLBC- Book Review and Giveaway: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert; Christian, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0. Open US and Canada. Ended 9/29/2018.
- ATBR- American Exit Strategy (The Economic Collapse, #1)
by Mark Goodwin; Contemporary, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0. - eTour- Book Review: The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt; Adventure, Historical Fiction, Time Travel; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: Nation by Terry Pratchett; Coming of Age, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating: Story 4.0 of 5.0; Audio: 4.5 of 5.0.
- eTour- Book Review: A Nanny For Christmas: A Harper's Corner Series Novella by Christina George ; Contemporary Romance, Holidays, Small Town; my rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
- A2018- Audible Book Review: The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer; Fantasy, Historical, Mystery; my rating: Overall 4.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs; Sci Fi, Zombie; my rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock; Historical Romance, Victorian, Western; my rating: Overall 4.25 of 5.0; Narration: 4.25 of 5.0.
- NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
- eTour- Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad; Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi; my rating: 3.75 of 5.0
- A2018- Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry; Mystery, Suspense, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
- AB2018- Audiobook Review: The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell; Jurisprudence, Non-Fiction, Social Studies; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
- NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: The Rancher's Gift by Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn; Christian, Inspirational, Religion; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
I pushed to exceed my goal of 15 per month but still didn't read as many TBRs as I would have liked.
I am 7 books ahead on my 2018 Goodreads Challenge with 129 of 160.
Total read = 16; TBR = 7; New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 10 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 3 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (0 TBRs)
Print = 1 (1 TBR)
Monday, October 8, 2018
Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock
This is a nice historical romance with a good blend of romance and suspense.
Gallagher's Pride
By: MK McClintock
Narrated by: Alan Philip Ormond
Series: Gallagher, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian, Western
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
She was a on a quest of discovery. He was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance.
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.
As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
The Historical Western Romance Montana Gallagher Series:
Book One - Gallagher's Pride
Book Two - Gallagher's Hope
Book Three - Gallagher's Choice
©2012 MK McClintock (P)2014 MK McClintock
Review:
Brianna is a strong Scottish lass who thinks she is alone until her dying father tells her of her mother's parents in America. Apparently her grandfather disowned her mother when she married her Scottish father instead of the fiance her controlling father had picked for her. Armed with a letter rejecting her mother and children, Brianna heads to America for answers.
Brianna arrives in rough Montana where her PI located her grandparents. She is lucky to meet Ethan Gallagher and his brother when she is accosted by a leering drunk right after stepping off the stagecoach. Brianna is invited to stay at the Gallagher ranch with their sister and housekeeper to keep things respectable. Little does she know that the ranch borders her grandfather and the relationship between the two families are strained at best.
Brianna learns that her grandfather is a mean and bitter man who drove off his own wife. She decides to follow the path of her grandmother in case she can be found. That quest sets off events of suspense and danger, including kidnapping and a shootout.
As they travel, Ethan begins to see a remarkable strength and bravery in Brianna. He might be interested if only he can get past the betrayal of his former fiancé who was found with another man the eve of their wedding. Brianna is falling for Ethan but she won’t accept less than a full commitment.
This is a charming story with characters I really liked. There is a little mystery and suspense to fill out the romance which is on the edge of sweet (simmering, as noted). Ethan’s siblings are lively characters and I am sure there are more good stories coming for the family. I recommend this to readers who enjoy warm, historical romance.
Audio Notes: I enjoyed the rich accents of the narrator, Alan Philip Ormond. He captures the Scottish brogue and good old country Midwest. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
Gallagher's Pride
By: MK McClintock
Narrated by: Alan Philip Ormond
Series: Gallagher, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian, Western
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
She was a on a quest of discovery. He was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance.
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.
As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
The Historical Western Romance Montana Gallagher Series:
Book One - Gallagher's Pride
Book Two - Gallagher's Hope
Book Three - Gallagher's Choice
©2012 MK McClintock (P)2014 MK McClintock
Review:
Brianna is a strong Scottish lass who thinks she is alone until her dying father tells her of her mother's parents in America. Apparently her grandfather disowned her mother when she married her Scottish father instead of the fiance her controlling father had picked for her. Armed with a letter rejecting her mother and children, Brianna heads to America for answers.
Brianna arrives in rough Montana where her PI located her grandparents. She is lucky to meet Ethan Gallagher and his brother when she is accosted by a leering drunk right after stepping off the stagecoach. Brianna is invited to stay at the Gallagher ranch with their sister and housekeeper to keep things respectable. Little does she know that the ranch borders her grandfather and the relationship between the two families are strained at best.
Brianna learns that her grandfather is a mean and bitter man who drove off his own wife. She decides to follow the path of her grandmother in case she can be found. That quest sets off events of suspense and danger, including kidnapping and a shootout.
As they travel, Ethan begins to see a remarkable strength and bravery in Brianna. He might be interested if only he can get past the betrayal of his former fiancé who was found with another man the eve of their wedding. Brianna is falling for Ethan but she won’t accept less than a full commitment.
This is a charming story with characters I really liked. There is a little mystery and suspense to fill out the romance which is on the edge of sweet (simmering, as noted). Ethan’s siblings are lively characters and I am sure there are more good stories coming for the family. I recommend this to readers who enjoy warm, historical romance.
Audio Notes: I enjoyed the rich accents of the narrator, Alan Philip Ormond. He captures the Scottish brogue and good old country Midwest. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
Source: Audible 2017 April $1.99 Purchase. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Sunday Post October 7, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 7, 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.
My week was busy although I can't quite place where the time went.
I've had fun getting back to corralling the chickens. We are up to 8 and 9 eggs a day plus we found a couple of hidden stashes.
This is a picture of one of the stashes we found behind our barbecue grill.
My reading and listening was a bit slower. I finished two books (sort of) and I am close to finished on a third: one ebook and one audible title. I managed to get five reviews posted as well as all of my usual memes.
I visited only 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Maureen's Books who shares reviews and other bookish memes.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
- A2018- Audible Book Review: The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer; Fantasy, Historical, Mystery; my rating: Overall 4.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
- eTour- Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad; Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi; my rating: 3.75 of 5.0
- ATBR- Goodreads Book Review: American Exit Strategy (The Economic Collapse, #1) by Mark Goodwin; Contemporary, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 5, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/11/2018.
- ATBR- Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs; Sci Fi, Zombie; my rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.
- NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
- Sharing Beyond Books #354 Comment Giveaway October 6, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/20/2018.
1. eBook/Kindle (Review)
To Thine Be the Glory
by Angela D. Martin
I am finding this interesting.
Source: Review Request from PublishingPush.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon,Extinction Edge, and Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle, Books 1 - 3)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I finished Book 1 and have started Book 2
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
Extinction Horizon
Total extinction is just on the horizon, but will the cure be worse than the virus?
Click on book title for full description.
The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon,
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I finished Book 1 and have started Book 2
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
Extinction Horizon
Total extinction is just on the horizon, but will the cure be worse than the virus?
Click on book title for full description.
Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)
Once Upon a Heartbreak
by Cassie Rocca
At 80%. This is a cute story although a little annoying at times.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
Extinction Horizon, Extinction Edge, and Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle, Books 1 - 3)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I have been wanting to listen to a book over 24 hours and this is a TBR that fit the bill.
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
I am now on book two.
Extinction Edge
Click on book title for full description.
Extinction Age
Click on book title for full description.
The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
I have been wanting to listen to a book over 24 hours and this is a TBR that fit the bill.
Source: Audible February, 2017 credit selection.
I am now on book two.
Extinction Edge
Click on book title for full description.
Extinction Age
Click on book title for full description.
3. eBook/Kindle (TBR Ladies Book Club)
The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series)
by Mr. Austin W Boyd
I have been looking forward to reading this. It starts with some fun action.
This is for Ladies Book Club meeting 10/13.
Source: Print books picked up prior to 2017. eBook picked up on sale 2017.
Product Description
As commander John Wells watches from the International Space Station, terrorists cripple Washington. While the world suspects Iranian jihadists, unexplained images from Mars offer a staggering alternative. Caught in a web of politics, John heeds his country's call to head to the Red Planet. Was he born for this moment in history? 448 pages, softcover from Living Ink.
As of Thursday I will start ebooks for FraterFest. I plan to read TBR eBooks.
These are a few of the shorter titles I may try to read:
A Walk in the Woods: A Horror Short Story by Rebecca M. Senese (2011) 9pgs
DARK REALITY-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012) 27pgs
Island Ghosts: A Will Castleton Adventure byDavid Bain (2012) 30pgs
Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts (Ten Tales Fantasy & Horror Stories) by Tracie McBride (Author), William Meikle (Author), Douglas Kolacki (Author), & 6 more (2012) 87pgs
A Romantic Ghost Story by Jason W. Chan (2013) 92pgs
Sixtus-A Suspense Thriller by Tim Kizer (2012) 101pgs
Come to the Cemetery: A Weird Tale of Ghostly Love & Revenge (Young Adult Horror Book 1) by Jackson Dean Chase (2017) 105pgs
Haunted (The Horror Diaries Book 1) by Heather Beck (2015) 127
Fosgate's Game by David C. Cassidy (Author, Illustrator) (2015) 151
Skinwalker: A Western Horror Novel (Gideon Thorn #1) by Michael Newton (2015) 158
So Damn Beautiful: The Lonely One: Book 1 of the SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL Crime Horror-Thriller Trilogy by A.E. Hodge (2015) 161
FROM AWAY - Series One, Book One: A Serial Thriller of Arcane and Eldritch Horror by Deke Mackey Jr. (2016) 169
Grounded Spirits (ghost story/mystery set in Ireland) by P. D. Martin (2012) 179
Audible: The Ghost and The Graveyard (Knight Games Book 1) by Genevieve Jack (2013) 2018 Daily Deal
October 7, 2018 - I am still up to date and enjoying my Bible reading through You Version App. I am 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 2 books and posted 5 reviews. That puts me at 8 reviews still to post! I will keep plugging away.
Obviously I have all of these reviews to add to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible so I am way behind again. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 10. I still have one author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
I have no new review titles although I am eyeing a couple.
I picked up two for one credit titles at Audiobooks.com
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals this week. There is a two for one sale going on but Audible website is not allowing me access. This happened in September too. I sent a chat and the staff gave me a credit for my trouble. But that doesn't let me get to the two for one. I will try calling them tomorrow.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I picked up just a few 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
NONE
Won
NONE
Purchased
Audiobooks Two for One Credit:
Wild HorsesBy B. J. Daniels
Duration: 8 h 36 min
and
Promise Me TexasBy Jodi Thomas
Duration: 10 h 58 min
Free
I received this from Pelican Book Group while I was away in Illinois. It sounds like fun reading.
Preserving Liberty: Pure Amore: Sweet Romance, Pure Enjoymentby Candice Sue Patterson
I added 4 free titles to my Kindle library this week. Another week of no time even to download free titles. 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 7, 2018
We were glad to be back at our home church this morning. Our Sunday School teacher continued his study in Corinthians. Corinthians 1:17 - 2:16. The title: Foolish Preaching.
Pastor’s sermon was the conclusion to a series called The Trade. His opening question was: “When was the last time you had to chase someone/something?” (My answer was chickens and before that was twins!) Chasing is part of life. Man has an internal drive to pursue – it might be a job, career, success or relationship.
What about our drive to go after God? When was the last time we experienced that? When we seek God we should be aware that a trade is required. Philippians 3:7- 11. Paul explains that all else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:8-9. Our relationship and pursuit is dependent on faith. Hebrews 11:1 -13. Part of faith is recognizing that the universe was created by God's hand. Hebrews 11:3. And recognizing that the only way to please God is by faith and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Point: Will you trade all of you to pursue all of Jesus?
Press on, chase, pursue. Philippians 3: 12-15. We all need to pray for help to want to press on. Are you willing to give all of you for all of Him? Throw off sin. Throw off distractions. It may require that we simplify life. It may also require that we add prayer and loving others to our life.
We finished the service with communion during which we were advised to contemplate the question: Will you make the trade?
Philippians 3:12-15 (NIV)
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, please do help me want to press in to pursue you!
Pastor’s sermon was the conclusion to a series called The Trade. His opening question was: “When was the last time you had to chase someone/something?” (My answer was chickens and before that was twins!) Chasing is part of life. Man has an internal drive to pursue – it might be a job, career, success or relationship.
What about our drive to go after God? When was the last time we experienced that? When we seek God we should be aware that a trade is required. Philippians 3:7- 11. Paul explains that all else is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:8-9. Our relationship and pursuit is dependent on faith. Hebrews 11:1 -13. Part of faith is recognizing that the universe was created by God's hand. Hebrews 11:3. And recognizing that the only way to please God is by faith and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Point: Will you trade all of you to pursue all of Jesus?
Press on, chase, pursue. Philippians 3: 12-15. We all need to pray for help to want to press on. Are you willing to give all of you for all of Him? Throw off sin. Throw off distractions. It may require that we simplify life. It may also require that we add prayer and loving others to our life.
We finished the service with communion during which we were advised to contemplate the question: Will you make the trade?
I believe this song fits with the message: Surrender
Verses for Today:Philippians 3:12-15 (NIV)
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, please do help me want to press in to pursue you!
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