Audible Book Review: SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this adventure and the AI snark.
SpecOps
Expeditionary Force, Book 2
By: Craig Alanson

Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-07-17
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise, and he's going to keep it: taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least this time, the Earth is safe, right?
Not so much.
©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Colonel Joe Bishop never expected to be in a position of leadership, responsible as the captain of an alien starship and a team of Special Operations (Spec Ops) troops. But he is committed to fulfilling a promise to the AI that he ‘rescued’ from a storage room on an alien planet. He dubbed his AI friend “Skippy” and Skippy was able to help remove the alien threat that was invading Earth. In return for Skippy’s assistance, Joe agreed to take Skippy out to the ends of space to try to communicate with others of his kind or find clues to their whereabouts. The UN ordered that Joe take a Spec Ops crew and a team of scientists along on the mission. Joe disclosed to all the crew members that he didn’t really expect to ever return to Earth. Still, they accepted the chance to explore space even with the dangers they are likely to face.

Several possible AI stations are identified, and the ship sets off to investigate. They discover a site that has already been ransacked, one that has nothing and another that not only has AI artifacts but enemy aliens in the process of gathering them. The ship stumbles into an attack and has to hide to allow Skippy to make repairs. Meanwhile, a plan must be developed to avoid the enemy and steal the artifacts from their camp.

Skippy continually belittles the “monkey brain” humans and taunts his own mental superiority as he trades insults with Joe. Then he has to struggle when Joe comes up with workable solutions to problems. This makes for great bantering fun!

There are a handful of characters highlighted among the crew who are supporting Joe and the mission. There are moments of danger and bravery. There are losses and struggles for the mission and in the end they learn frightening news that sends them scampering back to Earth.

I enjoyed the mix of action and strategy brainstorming, but the best part is the nonstop snark from Skippy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fun space adventure. I do recommend starting with book one, Columbus Day.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does another great job with the narration. He delivers distinct voices, AI snarkiness and consistent energy. I plan to continue listening to this series.

Source: June 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 26, 2019

Happy Friday! Our internet is down at home so I had to save this till Friday morning to make sure there were no late Thursday eve entries. Then I get to work and totally forget about posting.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the April 19, 2019 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. One title was blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 19, 2019 Pick:
Becky gets Forbidden Pleasures.
and
ALINA gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

So many are planting flowers and tending gardens I thought this image fitting!
Image posted by Kathy Hollier through Pinterest.

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves

PAIRS:
Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes and The Knight of Rosecliffe
Stella Cameron: Target and Now You See Him

SINGLES:
Golden Goddess by Stephanie James
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
The Gamble by LaVerle Spencer
Two Brothers by Linda Lael Miller
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
Bold Conquest by Virginia Henley
Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
Forbidden Pleasures (hardback) by Bertrice Small
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Brides Anthology
Holiday in Death
Christmas Homecoming
Together by Christmas Anthology
The Christmas Date
The Christmas Promise (hardback)
A Blue and Grey Christmas (hardback)
The Snow Angel (CD Audiobook)
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
PAIRS:
Kat Martin: Bold Angel and Devil's Prize
Elizabeth Lowell: Death Is Forever and Running Scared
SINGLE
It Takes a Hero by Elizabeth Boyle
Two Alone by Sandra Brown
'Tween a Devil and his hard Place by Sam Cheever
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Hot Pursuit by Christinea Skye
Sisters & Secrets Anthology
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Pairs:
Stella Cameron: French Quarter and Key West
Jude Deveraux: Mulberry Tree and Wild Orchids
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Unmasked Anthology - Jennifer Blake, Janet Dailey and Elizabeth Gage
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Finer Things by Brenda Joyce
Wicked Promise by Kat Martin
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Leopard's Woman by Linda Lael Miller and White Wolf by Lindsay McKenna
Eagle and the Dove by Victoria Morrow
To Love Again by Bertrice Small
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith
Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughn

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES

Best Laid Plans
Darkness Tell Us
Cooking More Deadly


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
Fern Michaels and James Patterson
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon
The Green Trap
End Game
Night School
The Red Tent
The Final Judgment Audio Cassettes
Secrets of Paris
Linda Goodnight
Irish Charmers, the Mighty Quinns
Firebird
No Getting Over a Cowboy
The Book of Fate Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Doctor’s Forever Family by Marie Ferrarella
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Branded by the Sheriff by Delores Fossen
The Italian’s Inexperienced Mistress
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Rhapsody in Time by Judith O’Brien
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham
The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle by RaeAnne Thayne


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

PAIRS
Johanna Lindsey Pair
Judith Krentz Pair
SINGLES
Midnight Rainbow
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Betrayed
My Dark Prince
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes
Brothers of Gwynedd
Fatal Defect
Bones of the Sea and Other Stories
By a Spider's Thread



New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
Echo Burning by Lee Child
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Day of the Dead by J.A. Jance
White Night by Jim Butcher
Five Gold Rings Anthology Constance O’Banyon and three others
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Depraved Heart by Patricia Cornwell
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Wizard’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Night Whispers by Judith McNaught
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn 

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,241+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Sunday Post April 21, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 22, 2019

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.

Heather was sick at end of week an our other processor had a day home with sick children. :-(
Work continues.
Still no word from the architect. At least we have a structural engineer sent by the insurance company assessing our home damage tomorrow.
This is a picture of four days egg collection.

Cat crisis seems to be over for now as she continues to eat well and is jumping up on furniture again.
Our weather had cooled a bit during the week; high 40s to mid 50s at night and 70s to 80 during the days. Today was absolutely gorgeous
I imagine this post is going to be late the next few weeks as we continue to watch the final season of Game of Thrones on Sunday nights.
It also took me extra time to decide which books I will finish out the month with. (No "April" title yet...)
I almost forgot that Hubby wanted me to show the Easter lunch he made for us (he made hamburger from his steak.) Both of our biscuits are on my corn and note the eggs in our salads. I ate my meal for lunch and dinner.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this week. I finished 3 books: 2 ebooks and 1 audiobook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 21 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Books and Things. Melissa "found a great community in the book blogging world and I love to talk books."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 14, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 15, 2019.

• ATBR- #Audible Book Reveiw: Oath of Swords by David Weber; Epic Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 19, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/25/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: The Spies That Bind: A Gallagher Girls Prequel by Ally Carter; Teens, Ages 11-13; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0 and Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #367 Comment Giveaway April 20, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/4/2019.

• ebTBR- Book Review: Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1) by Sally John; Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 21, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

SpecOps
Expeditionary Force, Book 2
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
I enjoyed this adventure and the AI snark.
Source: June 2018 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Book of Ruin
by W.G Hladky
I'm glad I pushed on to read this - lots of action.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

SkyLine The Dragon Commander
A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure
by Kennedy King
This was a quick read; intro to a series.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Dead Girl Running
Cape Charade
By: Christina Dodd
Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
I am 2 1/2 hours in and anticipating more suspense.
Source: December 2018 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
I have three confessions to make:
1. I've got the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I don't remember an entire year of my life.
3. My name is Kellen Adams...and that's half a lie.
Girl running...from a year she can't remember, from a husband she prays is dead, from homelessness and fear. Tough, capable Kellen Adams takes a job as assistant manager of a remote vacation resort on the North Pacific Coast. There amid the towering storms and the lashing waves, she hopes to find sanctuary. But when she discovers a woman's dead and mutilated body, she's soon trying to keep her own secrets while investigating first one murder...then another.
Now every guest and employee is a suspect. Every friendly face a mask. Every kind word a lie. Kellen's driven to defend her job, her friends, and the place she's come to call home. Yet she wonders - with the scar of a gunshot on her forehead and amnesia that leaves her unsure of her own past - could the killer be staring her in the face?
©2018 Christina Dodd (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The White City
by Grace Hitchcock
I just started this and am enjoying the characters and story.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant
Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
This looks like it will be a fun listen.
Source: 12/2/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
In the first book of a new series by the internationally best-selling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.
Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can't cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it's the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.
With Cressida Cowell's trademark wit and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, humor, and heart that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved best-selling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant listeners.
©2017 Cressida Cowell (P)2017 Hachette Audio

4. eBook/Kindle (Author TBR)

Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan
I am behind getting to this thriller which looks good.
Source: Author review request December 2018.
Every marriage has a secret, and this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”
Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.
Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

April 21, 2019 - I am enjoying my daily morning devotion and reading with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am on day 4 of a 5 day reading plan: Why Easter. I'll pick another study later in the week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted three reviews. That keeps me current with three reviews to post for current reading.
I keep working to add newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible again. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is now at 14 unread (down to one from December). I have 6 that release in April and it isn't likely I will get to them until May now. I have 4 old titles (2012!) that I might get read this year too.
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
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 did not add any new NetGalley or review titles.
I selected two Audible books for my March credits. I still need to pick April free Originals. 
I picked up only 15 free kindle titles. (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

4/16/19 March Credit#2
Paradise
Expeditionary Force, Book 3
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 05-23-17
This is book 3 in a series I am enjoying.

4/10/19 Pre-Order with March Credit#1:
Storm Cursed
Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 05-07-19
I am anticipating this next book.

Free

I only added 15 free titles to my Kindle library.  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 April 21, 2019. Happy Resurrection Day!

We shared fellowship before our Easter Service this morning. The service opened with appropriate resurrection praise and worship.

Pastor reminded us that his message last week was: God's matchless love. Our understanding of love, even as romantic or parental, can't compare to God's love. His love conquers all.

Even when we are secure in our beliefs, there are times when we reach the edge, the end of our
Reliance. Seeking help from human love can't always solve our problems. But God's love can. Nothing is impossible for Him. In our worst moment, God's love conquers all.

The enemy wants to destroy us. God has another plan which is revealed in the account of Christ’s sacrifice (also known as “His Story”). John 18:33-40.

Jesus was brought before Pilate who was cautious about handling him, not because of beliefs, but for political reasons. John 19:1-29 Jesus is whipped and crowned with a crown of thorns. Pilate presents him to the crowd saying, ‘I find Him not guilty’. The crowd cried out: "Crucify Him."
Jesus is mindful to fulfill scripture … and to complete His earthly mission: "It is finished."
Early Sunday morning the women came to care for Christ’s body. An angel told them: ‘He is not here; he has risen just as he said.” They walked out of an empty tomb. When they found Jesus in the garden, they fell at His feet and worshiped. Matthew 28:1-9.

Worship is the response that we should have to God's love that conquers all.

The story isn’t finished for us… it is a ‘choose your adventure story’. Choose to accept Christ and live with hope or choose a death without hope.

I looked at several videos and choose this one for the message. He is Risen! Hallelujah!

Verses for today.
John 19:36-37 NIV
36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

Book Review: Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1) by Sally John

This is a very good portrayal of PTSD in an invalid and his caretaker and life issues they face.

Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1)
by Sally John

File Size: 4545 KB
Print Length: 402 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 16, 2010)
ASIN: B003VWBXW8
Genre: Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Sheridan Montgomery leads a charmed life as the wife of Eliot, U.S. ambassador to Venezuela. But an attack on their lives cripples Eliot, and they retreat to a remote Mexican village. As Sheridan quietly cares for her husband, she sees her dreams slipping away. Luke Traynor shatters their reverie when he arrives to tell Sheridan of her father’s heart attack and the evidence implicating him in a conspiracy. Sheridan returns to Chicago to untangle the web of her father’s past and is forced to confront her feelings for Luke, a trail of deceit, and the truth about her marriage.

Review:
Sheridan and her husband are traumatized by an attack that has left Eliot crippled and in pain. They have hidden themselves away in a remote Mexican village. Sheridan serves as secretary for the few hours he works on his memoirs and as caretaker in his frustrated, angry moments. The rest of the time Eliot withdraws into his own world or sleeps for hours in a drugged state. Sheridan tries to accept the situation, but she is becoming tired of being isolated and frustrated that Eliot will rarely leave their home. At least she finds solace in prayer and talks with the wise local Padre.

Their quiet, hidden life is disrupted when Luke, the CIA agent who saved her during the attack, hunts them down. Luke and Sheridan formed a fragile friendship as her ‘angel Gabriel’ supporting her at the hospital while they waited to see if Eliot would survive and then helping her make the transition to the secluded life. Luke was not supposed to come back into her life, but he arrives with a message from Sheridan’s sister: their father is dying. Sheridan has reason to not want to go to her father’s side. Still, she cares enough to go to share her sister’s pain.

Sheridan again leans on Luke as she makes the traumatic trip back to Chicago. There she learns that her sister has uncovered evidence that their politician father has secrets of years of corruption. As Sheridan tries to regain her balance in the ‘real world’, Eliot surprisingly travels from the house with the Padre and begins to show unexpected improvement in his condition.

Sheridan doesn’t understand why her leaving has helped Eliot’s condition. Eliot is afraid that Sheridan won’t return … especially if she learns of a secret in his past. Will their marriage be able to survive the strains of their PTSD and revealed secrets?

The story circumstances lead to the need for forgiveness and restoration in several relationships. I was very impressed by the author’s clear handling of complex emotional and physical issues. She does a good job portraying both the patient and caretaker struggles and frustrations. I liked how the levels of faith of the characters helped them deal with the real-life situations and temptations they faced. The faith elements are shown through the lives of the characters and are not just preachy add-ins.

My ladies book club all agreed this was engaging fiction with good messages. I recommend this to readers who like stories that deal with family and faith issues.

Source: Kindle 2011. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Alphabet goals.