Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

I have much to be Thankful for even after the storms!
Son and daughter and their families - all healthy. Our Daughter-in-law has received a clear diagnosis of the lung cancer spots after four months!
My Versa Note, which we liked, was totaled by the hurricane. The payment was enough to replace it with a almost the same financing on a 2015 Prius with 14,080 miles. The Prius is a Hybrid, 45+ miles to a gallon, and we love it!
We couldn't see sunsets because of the woods behind our house - we can now!

God is in control and He loves me.

I give thanks!

#NetGalley Book Review: For Us Humans by Steve Rzasa

I enjoyed this interesting and unique, Christian sci fi.
For Us Humans: A Tale of Alien Occupation 
by Steve Rzasa

File Size: 2888 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Enclave (August 14, 2018)
ASIN: B07DD52TMF
Genre: Aliens, Christian, Futuristic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Caz Fortel is a great liar. In fact, he's a professional.
It's his job to lie to people who steal works of art, and to get the goods back. But when Caz gets the big call from the FBI—a million bucks to recover a stolen statue of significant cultural value—it comes with a downside. His assigned partner has more of an interest in Jesus than Caz is comfortable with. Oh, and he’s an alien with four arms and a tremendous sense of smell.
When aliens showed up fifteen years ago, Earth cut a deal to join the Panstellar Consociation as a protectorate, allowing their new neighbors to set up a warp tunnel in orbit, in exchange for advanced tech secrets. Now Caz is caught up in the retrieval of their missing statue, and they want the mission kept quiet.
Or Earth could be in very, very big trouble.

Review:
Fifteen years ago aliens arrived on Earth and peaceably took over as ‘protectors’. They needed a special portion of space near earth and it was worth their while to buy their way into corporate authority. Many Christians abandoned their faith when they learned that aliens existed. Caz felt deserted by other believers and he took off, leaving behind his college sweetheart who stayed in faith.

Caz is a consummate liar as he has worked undercover for years recovering stolen art. This keeps him from developing and keeping close friends. He leans on his vices – drinking, swearing, womanizing and generally being rude -- but tends to feel that he isn’t living the life he should.

Caz has now been assigned a very rare art recovery. Caz isn’t a fan of the aliens and is distressed to learn that alien Ghiqasu Hounder Prime Nil is assigned to work with him as the authorities represented Caz as a Christian. Yes, Caz still holds himself out as a Christian although he knows he doesn’t live like one. Nil is on board to recover the missing statute whose loss could instigate an alien war. But he requested working with a Christian because Nil is seeking a closer relationship with Qas, the ‘One Who Died for All’ according to myths of his race.

The partners come together with reluctance but soon discover they have diverse skills that make them a good team. They are both observant and Caz arranges believable personas to meet with crooked dealers. Meanwhile, Nil tracks suspects through a unique ability of smell. The investigation is more dangerous than expected when certain aliens betray their race and have to be stopped before triggering that war they want to complicate alien political intricacies.

Caz and Nil are very unique and engaging characters. I found it awesome that the author created an alien race that has (scoffed at) myths about the One Who Died for All, including the details of a birth on Earth. I found it dismaying that many would abandon their faith when they learned that aliens were real. In my thoughts, God has created an awesome world on Earth and H is certainly capable of creating other awesome worlds and races. Caz does have one Christian friend whom he works with and he gets the chance to reconnect with his college flame with some surprising revelations.

There is good action and intrigue in the investigation as well as some interesting scenes in jump space. I liked how Caz reacted to his superior’s cryptic texts and how the agent came through with assistance. This added good humor to a story already moving with sharp banter. The vices are attributed but not displayed directly; i.e. no swearing and no sex which was fine by me. I very much enjoyed this unique sci fi and would like to try more works by Rzasa. I recommend this to readers who like sci fi intrigue and find the thought of aliens seeking the hope of salvation an intriguing idea.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

#NetGalley Book Review: Unwritten by Tara Gilboy

This is a creative, engaging story.

Unwritten
by Tara Gilboy

File Size: 2297 KB
Print Length: 162 pages
Publisher: North Star Editions (October 16, 2018)
ASIN: B07GZXH9PQ
Genre: Children's Books, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Twelve-year-old Gracie Freeman is living a normal life, but she is haunted by the fact that she is actually a character from a story, an unpublished fairy tale she's never read. When she was a baby, her parents learned that she was supposed to die in the story, and with the help of a magic book, took her out of the story, and into the outside world, where she could be safe.
But Gracie longs to know what the story says about her. Despite her mother's warnings, Gracie seeks out the story's author, setting in motion a chain of events that draw herself, her mother, and other former storybook characters back into the forgotten tale.
Inside the story, Gracie struggles to navigate the blurred boundary between who she really is and the surprising things the author wrote about her. As the story moves toward its deadly climax, Gracie realizes she'll have to face a dark truth and figure out her own fairy-tale ending.

Review:
Gracie tries to live her normal life with her loving mother, but she is troubled. Her mother has told her that they are characters from a story until her parents rescued her with the help of a magic book. Gracie wants to know the full story but her mother refuses to tell her. Gracie knows the name of the author and sneaks out to meet her at a book event. Gracie meets the author and challenges her to tell her about story. The author tries to appease Gracie but things go strangely amiss and the characters are drawn back into the book. Once in the book, the characters have to try to remember who they are in the real world. Gracie especially struggles to determine if she can change her character and the story as written.

This is a creative modern day fairy-tale. The characters are well developed, and I enjoyed the comradeship between Gracie and her geeky scientist friend, Walter. There is a wicked queen who controls the magic but she doesn’t control all of the characters. The story is appropriate for middle age girls but a nice, quick read for adults too. I recommend this engaging tale to those who love ‘book’ stories and fairy tales.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post November 18, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 19, 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.

We are slowly getting set up in the new office so we don't have to wade through water when raining and work in mildewy conditions. I'll share a couple of pictures this week showing the problems.
My hubby is still chaffing at not being allowed to drive or do much. He seems to be feeling a bit better.

My listening and reading was good but seemed slow. I will soon have to start using the Fire Kindle as my old one dies way too often. I finished two audio books and one ebook again. I posted four reviews on blog, one with Giveaway. I didn't get any reviews up at Goodreads but I plan to do that this week. I am back to posting my usual memes.

I got to visit 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Tattooed Book Geek. Drew, another blogger from UK, reads some similar genres. If you are brave, check out his Fun and Inappropriate Covers and Titles links.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 12, 2018.

• eTBR-LBC- Book Review: The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series) by Austin W. Boyd; Christian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set, Books 1 - 3, by Nicolas Sansbury Smith; Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Zombies; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall and Audio.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 16, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson; Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

• Sharing Beyond Books #356 Comment Giveaway November 17, 2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review with Print Giveaway: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi; Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 18, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (AB2018)

Elite
Written By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated By: Amy Landon
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Date: September 2016
Duration: 10 hours 12 minutes
I enjoyed continuing this series and will pick up book 3 soon. :-)Source: Audiobook.com Credit Purchase November 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Cartwright's Cavaliers
The Revelations Cycle, Book 1
By: Mark Wandrey
Narrated by: Craig Good
Series: The Revelations Cycle, Book 1
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Source: May 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. 11/12-15.
Publisher's Summary
Heir to one of the leading "Four Horsemen" mercenary companies, Jim Cartwright is having a bad year. Having failed his high school VOWS tests, he's just learned his mother bankrupted the family company before disappearing, robbing him of his Cavalier birthright.
But the Horsemen of eras past were smart - they left a legacy of equipment Jim can use to complete the next contract and resurrect the company. It's up to Jim to find the people he needs to operate the machinery of war, train them, and lead them to victory. If he's good enough, the company can still be salvaged.
But then again, he's never been good enough.
©2016 Mark Wandrey (P)2017 Mark Wandrey.

3. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Kill Shot: A Novel (White Knights Book 2)
by Susan Sleeman
This Christian romantic suspense has all the elements I like.
Source: 2018 NetGalley. 11/7-18.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

29 Gifts
How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
By: Cami Walker
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
I thought this was appropriate for the week going into Thanksgiving!
It is very well done. I am on day 27 so will finish it soon.
Source: June 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. 11/16-___.
Publisher's Summary
At age 35, Cami Walker was burdened by a battle with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that made it difficult for her to walk, work, or enjoy her life. Seeking a remedy for her depression after being hospitalized, she received an uncommon prescription from an African medicine woman: give to others for 29 days.
29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author's life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. Many of Walker's gifts were simple - a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. Yet the acts were transformative. By day 29, not only had Walker's health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement.
The book also includes personal essays from others whose lives changed for the better by giving, plus pages for the reader to record their own journey. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.
©2009 Brightside Communications, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle Fire (TBR)

Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance)
by Christina Skye
I am starting this tonight.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle; "C" title.
As Christmas draws near and darkness veils the haunted English abbey, a tale of loss and love betrayed begins.
As cold closes in, old hatreds spring to life, bringing danger to a vulnerable woman betrayed by those she trusts most. Wounded and lost, Clair Haywood will seek haven within the abbey's ancient granite walls. But her enemies are closer than she knows.
Only one man can save her. And he has been dead for 200 years.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Uncommon Protector
Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated by: Nan Gurley
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
I picked this sweet romance to enjoy
as a "U" title for 2018.
Source: October 2018 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict - a man who's just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one-year post.
The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her 200-acre ranch as best she can.
When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.
Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he's in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn't pay a few fines. Laurel's offer might be his only ticket out. Though she's everything he ever dreamed of in a woman - sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong - he's determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he's free again.
But when cattle start dying and Laurel's life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn't long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He's a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom - he needs her love and care, too.
©2017 Shelley Shepard Gray (P)2017 Zondervan

4. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Somewhere The Bells Ring (Somewhere in Time Book 3)
by Beth Trissel
I thought I'd get this NetGalley Christmas title in.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Ghosts aren't real, are they?
December 1968: Caught with pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestral home in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal, until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued. Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't so bad.
To Eric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feels no less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-like beauty gives him reason to hope--until she tells him about the ghost haunting the house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.
As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees to help her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?

November 18, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App. Although I am on track on my smartphone I haven' t been steady for each morning and find myself finishing the reading at the end of the day instead of beginning. I need to get back to starting my day with scripture.
I am up tp date on the additional reading plan started 11/12: Names of God, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am looking forward to this reading too!
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted four reviews. I still have 14 reviews to post!
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 still at 9 as I am reading one and added 1 title. I still have one author title in queue - I think. 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 added one new review title through NetGalley.
I picked up two Audible Credits, one Audible Daily Deals and my two free November Originals.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I only picked up seven free kindle titles as I was pretty busy just treading emails. (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

This is a Christmas book I picked through NetGalley.
A Chance at Christmas
by Beppie Harrison
"Will this chance to share a wondrous sparkling Christmas not only provide a glorious holiday but a new turn in their futures and the astonishing possibility of romance?"

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/14/18 Daily Deal $3.95
Dread Nation
By: Justina Ireland
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
I like alternate history stories and this was on my wish list.


11/17/18 Two Credits:
Uncommon Protector
Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated by: Nan Gurley
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
This sounds good to me and it is a "U" title.


Zoe's Tale
Old Man's War, Book 4
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 10 hrs
I want to continue this series and it's good for a "Z" title.

Free

These are the two Free Audible Originals I picked:
Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane
Words and Music
By: Patti Smith
Narrated by: Patti Smith
Length: 1 hr and 23 mins
I found her interesting as a poet and musician who became a hit in the 70's - during my college years.

Laurie Berkner's Song and Story Kitchen
By: Laurie Berkner, The Laurie Berkner Band
Narrated by: Laurie Berkner, Josiah Gaffney
Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
I picked this one to share with the Grandkids. It sounds cute. :-)

I added just 7 free titles to my Kindle library over the past 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 November 18, 2018

I am always refreshed by Sunday mornings! Our Sunday School teacher continued the lessons in 1 Corinthians 4:1-21. Paul continued to address the division among those ‘following’ Apollos and those ‘following’ Paul. His point is that all leaders are “servants of Christ” (v1.) who should not be evaluated and judged by others or even self, but whose work will be judged by God. (1 Corinthians 4:2-5.) Paul describes the role of the apostles particularly and notes that the proof of their leadership will be in shown by the power of their words, not just their charismatic speaking. 1 Corinthians 4:20-21.

Our Worship was moving, led by our youth. Our youth pastor noted that we have to step forward and put action to our faith so that if we believe in healing, we need to speak it over others. The last song in the set was a heartfelt hymn, “It Is Well”.

Pastor’s Sermon was titled “Risky Conversations”. He noted how often we avoid the hard discussions that might hurt others. Sometimes we pray that God will deal with the situation … or the other person. But that doesn’t usually resolve the issue. Then Pastor asked, “What if that ‘risky conversation’ we need to have is with God?”

Sometimes God has to rip off a bandage because sometimes we need a breakthrough. The scripture lesson came from 1 Samuel 1:1-19. Hannah was hurt by being barren and being taunted by her husband’s other wife. (Pastor noted that there is a lot of strife revealed in the Bible due to multiple wives.) Hannah prayed in desperation. 1 Samuel 1:10-19.

Point: If we want to be made whole by God, we must be willing to be broken.

We cannot rely own actions when we need more – we need to rely on God. Why do we struggle? Sometimes it is sin in our lives and other times it is circumstances. We may experience pain, physical or emotional, but there is a purpose in it that we don’t always recognize. Scripture tells us that God has a reason: The more we suffer, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Once we have been brought through a difficult situation with the comfort of the Spirit, we have a comforter to share with others. A daring prayer, sometimes of deep anguish, can allow God to move us to a place he wants to use us.

Why are you avoiding the risky conversation? When you face that situation will you draw closer to God or run away? We can hope that we draw closer and then emulate Hannah's song of praise. 1 Samuel 2: 1-10.

This wasn’t the song I was looking for but it came up and it speaks to me:

Who Can Compare to You?

Verses for Today:
1 Samuel 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

Lord, I give thanks that I can place my assurance in You as You have all things in control.