MBS April 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - APRIL

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 2019
Favorites for April:
4.5 Ransomed Dreams
4.5 Spec Ops: Expeditionary Force Book 2

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Trouble on the Books by Essie Land; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
2. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Apex by Mercedes Lackey; Fantasy, Magic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.
3. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Heart of the Storm by Debbie Peterson; Romantic Suspense, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
4. ATBR- #Audible Book Review: Oath of Swords by David Weber; Epic Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.
5. ebTBR- Book Review: Ransomed Dreams (Side Roads Book 1) by Sally John; Christian Fiction, Women's Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
6. 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.
7. A2019- Audible Book Review: SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson; Sci Fi, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5 and Narration 4.5.
8. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The Book of Ruin by W.G. Hladky; Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
9. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure; Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd; Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
11. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock; Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
12. A2019- Audible Book Review: The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs; Children, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade; My Rating: 3.75 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.
13. ebTBR- Book Review: April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6) by A. E. Howe; Detective Mystery, Traditional Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Total read = 13; TBR = 6; New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 6 (2 TBRs)
eBook = 2 (2 TBRs)
NetGalley = 5 (2 TBRs)
Print = 0 Review books (other than NG)- 0

Goal Progress:
• ebTBRs: 2 + 2 + 3 +2
• Author titles: 1 + 0 + 3+0
• New to me Series: 5 + 5 + 8+10
• Continuing for me Series: 3 + 1 + 2+2
• Title with Month in it: 1 + 1 +1+1
• Winter title: 1;
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April

Sunday Post May 5, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 6, 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.

Work continues. I/We get to start training a new employee tomorrow (Monday).
I plan to contact the architect's office repeatedly this week in hopes of getting some response.
This chicken likes to look in the kitchen window.

I started giving potassium to Tiger Lily (our cat) again and she has stabilized. She is eating some, although we can still feel every rib.
Our weather continues to warm up.
I got the post ready early so I can relax and watch episode 4 of Game of Thrones today.

And - Happy Cinco de Mayo! I bet we'll get Mexican food for lunch tomorrow. :-)

I have really enjoyed my reading and listening this week, especially the current books. I finished 3 books: 1 ebook and 2 audiobooks. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Books and Life. Mayu looks to be a new blogger whose blog is "All about mystery, fantasy and romance novels." Stop by and say hello.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 28, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 29, 2019.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure; Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dead Girl Running by Chirsina Dodd; Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 3, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/9/2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock; Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs; Children, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade; My Rating: 3.75 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #368 Comment Giveaway May 4, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/18/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 5, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

The House with a Clock in Its Walls
By: John Bellairs
Narrated by: George Guidall
Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
I was disappointed. My review is linked above.
Source: January 2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eBookTBR)

April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6)
by A. E. Howe
This was a pleasant surprise (and might lead to more monthly titles).
Source: Free Kindle March 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Wizards of Once
By: Cressida Cowell
Narrated by: David Tennant
Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
This is a fun listen.
Source: 12/2/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Still Life
by Dani Pettrey
8.75 Hrs.
I was pulled right into this when I started listening while downloading another. (3.5 hrs in.)
Source: ChristianAudio Sale July 2017.
Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Continues to Win Fans
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author TBR)

Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan
I am really enjoying this high action story. (56% in.)
Source: Author review request December 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (eb-LBC)

The Breaking Point
by Karen Ball
I bought the print book several years ago and decided this would be good to share with my LBC.
Source: 4/28/19 I picked up the Kindle version to read for our April meeting.
Caught in a blizzard, they expected to fight for their lives. What they didn’t expect was a miracle…
Renee and Gabe Roman are on the edge—relationally and spiritually. Both believe they are followers of Christ who know God. So why is their marriage so difficult? After years of struggle, they wonder if it’s all been for nothing.
Then, on an anniversary trip to a remote resort, their truck hurtles down the side of a mountain. Suddenly, they find themselves at the mercy of the rugged Oregon wilderness, forced to fight for survival by relying on each other. But both must surrender their last defenses if they are to come home at last—to God and to each other.
Can the Romans overcome their greatest obstacle—themselves—in time?

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Deadly Vows
by Jody Holford
I look forward to starting this cozy mystery.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Former Army brat Molly Owens is happily settling into her new life in the seaside town of Britton Bay—and into new her job as editor-in-chief of the local paper. But as tourists discover the desirable spot, the tide along the Oregon Coast is turning . . .
Britton Bay is buzzing with preparations for a wedding at the bed and breakfast where Molly rents a small carriage home. Molly is even helping out and plans to interview the rising star caterer—until the woman is found dead. And then the bride-to-be goes missing. To make matters worse, the venue is owned by Molly’s new boyfriend’s mother—and Molly was among the last people to see the victim alive. All of which makes solving the crime her top priority . . .
With the nuptials indefinitely on hold, Molly will have to sift through a sticky mix of suspects, including a rival caterer with a short fuse, a groom with an illicit secret, and a wedding party riddled with personal drama. And if she doesn’t discover the truth soon, Molly might be her own front-page news . . .

May 5, 2019 - I got a half day behind and had to catch up this week. I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am on day 1 of a 3 day reading plan: God's Relentless Presence. 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 four reviews. That puts me current for review posts.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.  (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is now at 13 unread (2 added, 1 on the read list). I am working on the 6 April titles. I have 4 5 old titles (2012-13!) 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 added two "read now" titles from NetGalley .
I have five new Audios: two Audible daily deals plus an Audible title through Kindle Unlimited;  and two Audiobooks.com titles with the last two month credits. 
I downloaded week 2 titles from SYNC.
I picked up only 2 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

Two Read Now titles picked up at NetGalley:
Forever in a Moment
by Charlotte O'Shay
"Can a vivacious city girl find forever with a reclusive farmer?
Will her secret keep her from trying?"
This sounds like a nice "Hallmark" style story. I might need something cooler as the temperatures heat up.

In Darkest Days May Blossom
by Leila Snow
"♥ A GRITTY TALE OF ADVERSITY AND THE SHEER POWER OF LOVE ♥"
I liked the sound of this but it also has "May" in the title. :-)

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/2/19 Audible Daily Deal $5.95
Skyward
By: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: Suzy Jackson
Length: 15 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 11-06-18
(Considering the author, I expect this to be good.)

5/4/2019 Audiobooks.com two credits.

Light of the Last
by Chuck Black
Narrated By: Katie Leigh, Michael Orenstein, Leanne Bell

Unabridged Audiobook

Duration: 12 hours 5 minutes

(This is the final in a series I like.)


The Hope of Azure Springs
by Rachel Fordham
Narrated By: Coleen Marlo
Unabridged Audiobook
Duration: 8 hours 7 minutes
(This sounds good plus has "Spring" in the title.)

5/4/19 This was a NetGalley title I didn't get to read in 2013 so I picked it up on Kindle Unlimited and discovered the audiobook came with it. :-)
Nightstalkers
An Area 51 Novel
By: Bob Mayer
Narrated by: Eric G. Dove
Series: Area 51: The Nightstalkers, Book 1, Area 51, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins

5/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95
Make Me No Grave
By: Hayley Stone
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 11-20-18
(This looked and sounded good but the narrator cinched the purchase.)

Free

5/4 Free Kindle
Overshadowed (Free Short Story) (The Remnant)
By: Vannetta Chapman
I have been eyeing this series on Audio.


SYNC Audio 2019 Week 2.
OTHELLO by William Shakespeare, narrated by Ewan McGregor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kelly Reilly, Tom Hiddleston, and a full cast (Naxos AudioBooks)
YOU by Charles Benoit, narrated by David Baker (Full Cast Audio)

I added only 2 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 May 5, 2019

This morning we had a good Sunday School lesson continuing his teaching on The Resurrection. The church had ministry from Team Challenge. (Although their ministry is always wonderful we missed it this morning.)

Two months ago our Sunday School shared a lesson from 1 Corinthians 10 regarding temptation, testing and tragedy. Temptations are an ongoing issue, different from trials or tragedies in life.

We live in a fallen world with evil around us. Satan is intent on providing plenty of areas to draw our attention away from God. Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Things like sexual immorality, gossip or negative speaking, drugs, gluttony, greed, anger, envy, self-interest and pride.

God is our weight spotter when we are under pressure. He will show you a way out so you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Sometimes we face a situation that is beyond our ability to endure. It is then we need ‘God confidence’. The faith and courage to know that God will help you come through it. Paul went through lots of hardships that many men couldn't bear. So much that he would despair of life… but for God.

Don't allow yourself to be defeated spiritually.

Fleshly concerns hinder the Spirit. We need to stay close to God, study His Word (the Bible), be faithful in prayer. This will condition the Spirit, building strength in faith.

This is a song that fits today’s message.

A Verse for Today:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Lord, I pray that I will always seek Your guidance and Your way out when ever I am faced with temptation.

Sharing Beyond Books #368 Comment Giveaway May 4, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Seven wouldn't participate in funding an author's writing although eight people might buy the books. One person would be one turned off, one would find it odd and one uncomfortable. Two might participate if the request was due to a serious illness and one might fund if it was a beloved author.

The Winner from SBB #367 comments is: #12 RUBYNREBA who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #368

(One Question.)

Emily asks: Do you have a book hero/heroine "type" you always fall for??

I read across genres, historical, contemporary, romance, sci fi. I always like heroes and heroines who are strong and smart; preferably with a grounded faith and a heart for kindness.
Here are two female groups I found online... one person missing (not movie yet?) is Eve Dallas. Males would include Roarke, Jon Snow, and Ean Lambert (Linesman). I can't think of any others right now.

Image found at: Will Bake for Books.

Image found at WeHeartIt.

I like this quote! Found at GoalCast.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. Emily asks: Do you have a book hero/heroine "type" you always fall for??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday May 18, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

I was disappointed in this and hope the movie turns out better.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls
By: John Bellairs
Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-14-18
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade,
My Rating: 3.75 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0

Publisher's Summary
A haunting gothic tale by master mystery writer John Bellairs - soon to be a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black!
When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his Uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Serenna Izard. It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls - a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!
©1973 John Bellairs (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Lewis loses his parents when he is aged 10. He took the bus to be with his Uncle Jonathan, who he wasn’t allowed to meet when his parents were alive. In 1948 the family considered the Uncle who “smoked and drank and played poker” a “black sheep” to the Catholic family. Shortly after being met at the station by his Uncle, Lewis discovers there is something strange happening with clocks in the community.

The first night at his new home, Lewis finds Uncle Jonathan prowling the halls. It doesn’t take long before Lewis learns that his Uncle and neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are more than black sheep --- they are witches.

When Lewis isn’t playing games with and observing the banter between Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann, he is reading magic books he finds in his Uncle’s home. Lewis, an overweight boy, has always struggled to make friends at school. In order to impress a new friend, Lewis starts to experiment with the magic he is reading about. He and his friend challenge each other to visit a cemetery during Halloween. Lewis inadvertently releases the evil spirit of Serenna Izard, the wife of the prior owner of Uncle Jonathan’s house.

Lewis keeps the secret of his misdeed to himself until danger forces him to confess to his Uncle. Jonathan, Mrs. Zimmermann and Lewis must locate the clock in the walls before Serena gets to it and turns on the doomsday timepiece.

This lightly ‘spooky’ story is set years ago (1948) and was copyrighted in 1973. I had difficulties with the “fat” reverences, the name calling, the sneaking and the careless mischief. These actions might not be unusual for the age group, but I was disappointed that there didn’t seem to be an effort to encourage the moral virtues of truth and obedience. At least there was good over evil in the later part of the story. I suppose this light, ghostly mystery might be more engaging for a tweener than an adult. (Also, I understand that the print has engaging illustrations that probably helps with the target audience.)

Audible Notes: The narration by George Guidall suits the time period and the audience. His delivery demonstrates an experienced storyteller. The audio enhanced the story for me.

Source: January 2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.