#NetGalley and Audible Book Review: Nightstalkers, An Area 51 Novel, by Bob Mayer

This is just the sort of monster/alien hunting action I enjoy for a quick read.

Nightstalkers
An Area 51 Novel
By: Bob Mayer
Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

Series: Area 51, Area 51: The Nightstalkers, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-11-12
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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.

Review:
The Nightstalkers are a special, elite team, with a mysterious leader and a mysterious mission. They draw from the best of the army and special forces, seeking those who are willing to commit to a team that puts their lives on the line every assignment. The Nightstalker team has to contain and sometimes annihilate supernatural enemies, creatures that most people don’t know exist. They do their best to minimize collateral damage but are prepared to us excessive force if needed.

The team opens with an action-packed mission to close a dimensional rift and in the process one team member gets pinned with cactus spines causing him to question why he is doing this work. When that injured member walks away, Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter, is asked to fill the opening on the team.

The team is led by “Moms” and under the direction of a mysterious woman who speaks with a Russian Accent. She has rarely been seen in person as she usually meets with the team in holographic form. The team consists of members who have unusual skills that work together: sharpshooting, troubleshooting, tech expertise, bomb specialist and communications.

Carter is just getting used to the strange team members when they are called out to a wealthy country club subdivision to eliminate the alien “fireflies” which inhabit inanimate objects. The team is setting up ‘undercover’ in one of the elite houses, but a smart, sassy teen from the house across the street is watching every move. “Scout” shows up at the door and offers her services since she knows the neighborhood and clearly the team needs some guidance to fit in.

While they are hunting the creatures to eliminate, they are also concerned about an important artifact that has gone missing and could be misused in the wrong hands. It is soon clear that someone who knows their protocols has brought an attack against the team.

Neither the characters, nor the plot are deeply developed but they are sufficiently set out to make it fun. I totally enjoyed the action and the quirky characters. Scout makes a fun addition. I liked the 1970’s references – they worked for me. I recommend this as an easy read for readers who like monster hunting, military sci fi.

Audio Notes: Eric G. Dove does a nice job with the narration. He distinguishes the character voices, male and female. His voice fits the quick action. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2013 originally and Kindle Unlimited and Whisper Sync pick up 5/4/19. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019 NetGalley and 2019Audiobook reading goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 31, 2019

Happy Friday!
Aargh! I got a box of books together but forgot to get a picture. So I will have to add that next week.
I didn't get to the GCs last weekend but I am pulling the list together and will try again this weekend. Thanks for being patient. :-)

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 May 24, 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 but won through the block.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 24, 2019 Pick:
MIKI gets a GC.
and
CAROLL gets I takes a Hero through a block.

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.}

This is a cute mug and sentiment...except I wasn't born in June. How about you? :-)
Image found at TeenAvi.

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 1,249+ 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!

#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.