#NetGalley Book Review: Read on Arrival by Nora Page

This is a fun, cozy, who-done-it mystery.
Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page

File Size: 3314 KB
Print Length: 329 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1643850032
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 7, 2019)
ASIN: B07HM7PGTG
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Animals, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Death, deadly omens, and a decades-overdue book put senior librarian Cleo Watkins on a collision course with a killer in the second Bookmobile mystery.
Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins believes in gracious manners, sweet tea, and justice―library justice. For over forty years, Cleo has tried every trick in the book to get delinquent patron Dixie Huddleston to return the most overdue volume in Catalpa Springs, Georgia. When Dixie says she’ll finally relinquish the book, Cleo is shocked. She’s even more startled by the reason: superstitious Dixie says she’s seen the signs: she’s about to die and is setting her affairs in order.
Cleo dismisses Dixie’s ominous omens…until she and her gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette, arrive at Dixie’s home to find her dead. Cleo suspects murder. The police agree but promptly list Cleo among the likely culprits. To clear her good name and deliver justice, Cleo uses her librarian skills to investigate, with Henry and her trusty bookmobile cat, Rhett Butler, at her side.
However, the killer has opened a new chapter of terror. Death threats appear around town, and residents start seeing bad luck everywhere, including in Cleo and her beloved bookmobile Words on Wheels. With her bookmobile and legacy on the line, Cleo accelerates her sleuthing. Suspects and clues stack up, but so does the danger. Another death is coming due, and Cleo fears the killer may be about to turn the final page on someone she loves most.

Review:
Cleo Watkins is a woman in her 70s who has been the local librarian, spreading her passion for books for over 40 years. During those years Cleo has tried to recover a special library book, Luck and Lore, from local real estate broker, Dixie. Dixie insists the book has been her lucky token for her successful career and she has flaunted it under Cleo’s nose. But suddenly Dixie is experiencing death omens and she wants to return the book. When Cleo and her gentleman friend, Henry, goes to Dixie’s home to pick up the book. Instead of the book they find Dixie’s dead body in clearly suspicious circumstances.

Cleo has previous used her amateur skills to solve a local murder. It is natural that community members are coming to her for information and encouraging her to dig up clues. Even her neighbor, Gabby, a Deputy Sheriff, is willing to accept input from Cleo, although Gabby warns Cleo to stay safe. While Cleo continues to look for the missing library book and clues about the murder, she is also fighting attempts from a bouncy blonde who is flirting with the library board president while proposing modernization of the library, including Cleo’s beloved bookmobile.

This is a true, warm ‘cozy’ mystery. I enjoyed the elderly characters with their precious pets (cat for Cleo and dog for Henry). I also liked Cleo’s friendship with her neighbor, Deputy Sheriff, Gabby. The small community is full of lively characters and a list of possible suspects who had various motives for disliking and ultimately killing Dixie. The murder is creative and the ongoing death threats to other members of the community adds to the mystery.

The small-town setting is ‘cozy’ and the easy flowing writing is a clear fit for the cozy, who-done-it genre. I sort of wished I could have read this in the fall to fit with the cover which pulled me in. But, anytime of the year, it is a satisfactory read for the cozy mystery fan.

Source: NetGalley 2018 This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: The Hammer Commission by John Van Stry

This is a fun paranormal battle adventure listen.

The Hammer Commission
By: John Van Stry
Narrated by: Doug Tisdale Jr.

Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-02-17
Language: English
Publisher: John Van Stry
Genre: Paranormal, Shifters, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mark just watched his partner and best friend of 10 years torn limb from limb by the kind of unholy horror that leaves most people gibbering in terror. Only a combination of luck and skill kept Mark from sharing his partner's fate and being killed by an abomination that by rights shouldn't exist in this day and age.
When asked, Mark tells people he works recovering stolen artifacts, and that's true. However he's also a member of a very old and secret organization that protects the world from devils and demons summoned here to do evil. A foot soldier on the front lines of the eternal war between Heaven and Hell, things had been favoring the side of Heaven for some time now. Until today that is, when someone discovered how to summon a devil that no one had seen since WWII.
Never popular with his boss, Mark finds himself sidelined as he tries to discover just what happened. Upset with being taken off the case, Mark does discover one thing rather quickly: whoever is behind this is now after him, and if he's not careful he'll be joining his partner sooner, rather than later.
©2013 John Van Stry (P)2017 John Van Stry

Review:
Mark loses his partner and best friend to a brutal demon attack. Mark and Jake have been part of a secret force that battles devils and demons on behalf of the church to protect innocents worldwide. Mark barely avoids death against this demon that shouldn’t exist. Mark awakens from his injuries and is determined to investigate who is summoning strange demons. But rather than getting to hunt down the source of the demon, Mark is directed by Father Flores, with whom he is at odds, to take a leave of absence.

Mark has also been told to select a new partner. He knows he is in trouble when the only applicant provided is a woman whose bad luck or stumbling has caused the death of her last several law enforcement partners. Mark doesn’t want to endanger the newbie, Judith, but she won’t stay behind when he sets out to investigate, even without authority.

Mark and Judith visit scenes where other hunting teams have been killed. He then takes Judith to visit his family (where there are secrets and surprises) and then to visit another friend with more surprises. Along the way, Judith is getting a crash course of fighting enemies with prayers, holy water and crosses rather than tasers and bullets. The attacks are coming more frequently, and it soon becomes clear that Mark is being targeted. Mark gets more suspicious as he questions how they are tracking him. Finally, Mark takes the investigation back to his home base to try to pin down clues.

I enjoy monster hunting genre and this one had my interest as the commission are fighting for heaven. Unknown to the public at large, the world includes creatures like vampires and shifters, not all of whom are evil. I enjoyed the various characters and the many action battles. I did suspect the villain and liked how the clues lead Mark to uncover the truth. There was a little bit of language (too bad) and sexual activity behind doors. Still, I liked how the story centers on faith and the battle against evil. I found the story engaging (although not as strong as Monster Hunters International). I’d be willing to pick up additional sequels in this seriesfor an easy, fun listen.

Audio Notes: Doug Tisdale Jr. does a good job with the narration. Some of the voice accents are a lot of fun which adds to the entertainment. I enjoyed the audio experience which helped the story move along quickly.

Source: May 12, 2019 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post May 26, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 27, 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 with employees sort of hoping for a summer break even though we agree we get loaded with work when we go away.
We have an industry data report due this week which is taking some time and stress.
I finally heard from one structural engineer who is willing to help but needs an architect to work with. That architect has declined to work on my office even though he is doing the one connected to my office. Just Strange.
The other architect/engineer's office also replied with a quote - sadly it wasn't for my building. I am hoping for a meeting this week.

The chickens are laying their eggs under the sago palm again. I found 10 this evening.

I should have saved the poppy for today in honor of Memorial Day.

Tiger Lily is continuing to move and eat better although she was favoring a front paw this morning.
I have been praying during the last several weeks for so many people suffering from floods, tornadoes and severe weather.
I don't think we quite reached the 100s last week although it is predicted again this week, and we have had several heat warnings.
We are thankful that they got the second air conditioner in midweek.
I can't blame Game of Thrones for being late tonight. Actually I spent time finishing Read on Arrival so I could include it in the list as read.:-)

I hope everyone has a meaningful Memorial Day - taking time to remember those who died to allow us the freedoms we are blessed with.

My reading/listening week was good this week. I finished 3 books: 2 audibooks and 1 ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Somewhere Only We Know. Sandy is a book lover and has a nice bit about how she picked her blog name.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 19, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 20, 2019.

• ebTBR- Book Review and Giveaway: The Breaking Point by Karen Ball; Christian, Family Drama, Inspirational; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0. Open US and Canada. Ending 6/1/2019.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: God of War by J. M. Barlog and Cory Barlog; Fantasy, Greek & Roman Myth, Norse & Viking Myth; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 24, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/30/2019.

• A2019- Audio Book Review: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham; Christian, Historical Romance, Western; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 26, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hope of Azure Springs
by Rachel Fordham
Narrated By: Coleen Marlo
Unabridged Audiobook
Duration: 8 hours 7 minutes
This is a wonderful Historical Romance.
My review is linked above.
Source: Audiobooks Credit April 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hammer Commission
By: John Van Stry
Narrated by: Doug Tisdale Jr.
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
This is a fun paranormal battle adventure listen.
I had eyed this for a while and was glad to pick it up.
Source: May 12, 2019 Audible Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Mark just watched his partner and best friend of 10 years torn limb from limb by the kind of unholy horror that leaves most people gibbering in terror. Only a combination of luck and skill kept Mark from sharing his partner's fate and being killed by an abomination that by rights shouldn't exist in this day and age.
When asked, Mark tells people he works recovering stolen artifacts, and that's true. However he's also a member of a very old and secret organization that protects the world from devils and demons summoned here to do evil. A foot soldier on the front lines of the eternal war between Heaven and Hell, things had been favoring the side of Heaven for some time now. Until today that is, when someone discovered how to summon a devil that no one had seen since WWII.
Never popular with his boss, Mark finds himself sidelined as he tries to discover just what happened. Upset with being taken off the case, Mark does discover one thing rather quickly: whoever is behind this is now after him, and if he's not careful he'll be joining his partner sooner, rather than later.
©2013 John Van Stry (P)2017 John Van Stry

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page
Release date May 7, 2019.
This is a fun, cozy, who-done-it mystery.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)/(NGTBR)

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
This was a NetGalley title I didn't get to read in 2013 so I am glad to read/listen now.
Source: Kindle Unlimited and Whisper Sync pick up 5/4/19.
Publisher's Summary
Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter only enlisted in the army for the steady pay. When he cheated on the Special Forces’ final exam, he never expected his actions would get him drafted into the Nightstalkers - an elite team with a mysterious mission and even more mysterious leader.
For decades, Rifts have been opening and unleashing bloodthirsty alien life forms into our reality. The Nightstalkers’ goal is to shut down these breaches and stop the beings that emerge from rampaging out of control.
While still integrating with his unusual teammates - including a sociopath, a Black Ops washout, and a contemporary MacGyver - Carter gets his first taste of interdimensional action when a Rift opens inside a gated community. With half a dozen deadly invaders threatening the residents, the Nightstalkers must hunt down and eliminate the aliens before they break through containment and wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
©2012 Robert Mayer (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

In Darkest Days May Blossom
by Leila Snow
I will start this tonight.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Anatomy of Peace, Expanded Second Edition
Resolving the Heart of Conflict
By: The Arbinger Institute
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
While looking for my next listen I wanted a TBR and realized it was time for a nonfiction.
Source: Audible Daily Deal 2016.
Publisher's Summary
What if conflicts at home, conflicts at work, and conflicts in the world stem from the same root cause? What if we systematically misunderstand that cause? And what if, as a result, we systematically perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve?
From the authors of Leadership and Self-Deception comes an international best seller that instills hope and inspires reconciliation. Through a moving story of parents who are struggling with their own children and with problems that have come to consume their lives, we learn from once-bitter enemies the way to transform personal, professional, and global conflicts, even when war is upon us.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2006, 2008, 2015 Arbinger Properties, LLC (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

May 26, 2019 - I have stayed up to date. I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I am on day 5 of: Haven't Seen It Yet: A 5 Day Devotional Series. I'll pick another study this 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. I continue to be 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 still at 15 unread. I am working on now 8 April titles. [I have 4 5 old titles (2012-13!), one of which I am reading/listening to now.]
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 didn't get any new review books.
I picked two daily deals this week plus four titles on 2 for 1 credit sale.
I downloaded week 5 titles from SYNC.
I picked up a May Prime Free title but no other 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

5/21/19 Audible Daily Deal $3.95
Strange Practice
By: Vivian Shaw
Narrated by: Susanna Hampton
Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 08-03-17


5/24/19 2 titles for 1 Credit Sale using 2 May credits
1. Swan Song
By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
Length: 34 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 11-15-11
This has been on my wish list for a long time.

2. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
By: Jessica Townsend
Narrated by: Gemma Whelan
Length: 11 hrs
Release date: 10-31-17
This is in my NetGaley queue and I thought I'd get to it sooner if I could listen to it.

3. Partials Partials, Book 1
By: Dan Wells
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
Release date: 02-28-12
This is another title that has been in my wish list.

4. The Weaver's Daughter: A Regency Romance Novel
By: Sarah E. Ladd
Narrated by: Jude Mason
Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 04-10-18
I found this one in the romance category of the sale and think I will like it.

05/25/2019 Audible Daily Deal $.99
Ayiti
By: Roxane Gay
Narrated by: Roxane Gay
Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 07-17-18
I was interested in this since we support a church and school in Haiti and are aware of the struggles and dangers of that country.

Free

May 2019 Prime Free title:

Before the Broken Star (The Evermore Chronicles Book 1)
by Emily R. King



SYNC Audio 2019
5/25/19 SYNC Week 5: May 23 – May 30
A NIGHT DIVIDED by Jennifer A. Nielsen, narrated by Kate Simses (Scholastic Audiobooks)
TEAR DOWN THIS WALL: A CITY, A PRESIDENT, AND THE SPEECH THAT ENDED THE COLD WAR by Romesh Ratnesar, narrated by Wes Bleed (Oasis Audio)

I added only the Prime free title 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 26, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher is away for the first of ‘summer’ break. The substitute shared a message titled Faith, Hope and Patience based on testimonies about his father by Alton Garrison.

We enjoyed praise and worship before celebrating our graduates. Pastor shared 1 Timothy 4:12 telling the graduates (and all of us) to no think less of being young but to set an example as a leader.
Our youth pastor shared encouragement saying how he has observed them go through life change after salvation. They have shown growth in caring, serving, daily commitment, and daily worship. He reminded them that maturing spiritually is a continual, life-long process. He advised them the way to succeed in ministry is to say yes to God each morning.

The graduates, and all of us, were encouraged to partnership in the gospel. Philippians 1:3-6, 9.

Pastor also shared some messages on Life Hacks. He noted how different the last 20 years has been for these youth who grew from backpack to briefcase to laptop. Most of them were only infants when the terrorist attacks occurred on 9/11/2001. Most don’t recall the days of cassette tapes and CDs (much less vinyl). They have grown up with mp3s and even more with cell phones and digital devices. It has probably been years since they have used text books, rather than computers, to do research.
Pastor gave them these three directives:
1. Ask to join God in His plans rather than asking God to join you. Jeremiah 29:11. Fear the Lord and turn from evil. Proverbs 3:7.
2. Keep growing; remain in God and bear fruit. John 15:5. Grow in generosity and wisdom. Proverbs 3:12-16. Grow as a person and later as a spouse and a parent.
3. Be Strong and Courageous. Change the world. Lead people to Jesus.

I thought this might be a good song for graduates … and all of us.

A Verse for Today
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Lord - thank you for reminding me to start each morning by saying "Yes" to Your Will for my life!

Audio Book Review: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

This is a wonderful Historical Romance.
The Hope of Azure Springs
by Rachel Fordham
Narrated By: Coleen Marlo

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Date: July 2018
Duration: 8 hours 7 minutes
Genre: Christian, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Summary:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone. For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart. Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance listeners back to the 1880s and the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

Review:
Em has had a difficult childhood and youth. After the death of her parents, at age 12, she ended up on the orphan train with her 7-year-old sister, Lucy. Hoping they would be selected by a caring family, she didn’t realize that siblings would be separated. Em could do nothing when cute Lucy was selected while plain, skinny Em was left standing on the platform. Across the state of Iowa Em is finally selected by a gruff man who lives a solitary life. SHe is left to sleep in the barn, worrying about her sister and fending for herself. She learns to catch rodents just to have a meal. Em stays away from her guardian but inadvertently sees him secretly visiting a place in the woods.

Outlaws attack her guardian, killing him and shooting Em. She manages to escape and is found by people from the town of Azure Springs. A kind family gives her refuge and a home where she can heal from her injuries. The local sheriff, Caleb Reynolds, interviews the raggedy waif because it is his job to track down the murderers.

Caleb is intent on fulfilling his duties as a good sheriff and ultimately to impress his parents. Caleb takes Em to the crime scene to help him investigate. He discovers she has a playful and brave side when she accepts his challenge to climb the trees while hunting for the hidden cache. He truly wants to help Em, never realizing that his time with her will change his view of her and those around them.

Em is quick to think of others, showing love and kindness, and entertaining the young twins with stories that she used to share with Lucy. Everyone in the family cares for her gentle loving spirit, except the elegant daughter who is the same age and is hoping to gain the interest of the handsome sheriff.

Em is grateful for the family who has helped her and the sheriff who has shown such concern to keep her safe. She finds herself enjoying her time with Caleb even though she realizes that she is too plain for such a man. Em sets out to get a job to earn money for the train back to the city where her sister was ‘adopted’.

I was pulled into this character driven story from the very opening. Em is a wonderful character with a courageous, resilient and caring spirit. Caleb is also a warm, caring character. I enjoyed the friendship that grew between them and really appreciated the wisdom Caleb’s father (and others) share. Ms. Fordham does a good job in showing how the characters grow beyond their young, natural insecurities. I liked the history of the orphan train and small western town dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be anxious to get more wonderful reading from Rachel Fordham.

Audio Notes: Coleen Marlo does a lovely job with the narration. She aptly conveys the emotions and depth of the characters. This is the first audio I have experienced with Ms. Marlo but I plan on it not being the last. Her narration enhanced an already lovely story so it was a plus, plus listening experience.

Source: Audiobooks Credit April 2019. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook and my “spring” title goals.