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Monday, July 8, 2019

MBS June 2019 Reading List Wrap Up


MBS 2019 Reading List - JUNE
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 JUNE:
5.0: The Liturgy of the Ordinary
4.75: The Time Collector
4.5: Finder; Forever in a Moment; The Tale of Despereaux; and Harden: Lee Harden Book 1


  1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad; Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.
  2. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Finder by Suzanne Palmer; Genre: Action Adventure, Sci Fi, Space Colonization; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  3. A2019- Audible Book Review: Mirror Gate, The Harbinger Series, Book 2 by Jeff Wheeler; Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  4. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Forever in a Moment by Charlotte O'Shay; Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Holiday Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Rath's Deception by Piers Platt; Genre: Assassins, Military Thriller, Military Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  6. NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Feel Better, Mommy by Risa Kirschner; Genre: Children; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  7. NG2019- Goodreads #NetGalley Book Review: Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book! by Julie Berry (Author), April Lee (Illustrator); Genre: Children; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.
  8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs; Genre: Paranormal, Werewolves; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  9. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Time Collector by Gwendolyn Womack; Genre: Metaphysical Fiction, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
  10. A2019- Audible Book Review: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo; Genre: Children's Fairytales & Folklore, Kids Ages 8-10; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  11. A2019- Audible Book Review: Changeling: A Novel of Sorcery and Society by Molly Harper; Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
  12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles; Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt; Genre: Legal Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
  14. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd; Genre: Christian, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  15. A2019- Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren; Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
  16. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker; Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  17. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies by Fiona Boyd; Genre: Children, 5-7; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

Total read = 17; TBR = 5; New Authors = 13
Audio/Audible = 10 (5 TBRs)
eBook = 0 (0 TBRs)
NetGalley = 7 (0 TBRs)
Print = 0
Review books (other than NG)= 0

Goal Progress:
10 ahead on Goodreads Goal of 150
Total Read to Date: 84 of 150
TBR to Date: 38 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 8 of 24
Audio to Date: 46 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 28 of 40
Author Reviews: 5 of 12
Nonfiction: 6 of 12

• ebTBRs: 1 +2 +2 +2 +1 +0 = 8
• Author titles: 1 +0 +3 +0 +1 +0 = 5
• New to me Series: 5 +5 +8 +10 +8 +8 = 44
• Continuing for me Series: 3 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 = 12
• Title with Month in it: 1 +1 +1 +1 +1 + 0 = 5
• Seasonal title: Winter 1; Spring 2;
• Alphabet letters covered: 12 Jan + 3 Feb + 5 March + 2 April + 0 May + 1 June
  (23 of 26)

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Sunday Post July 7, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 8, 2019

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.

This past week was definitely a holiday week. Good thing appointments were minimal because those of us in office weren't completely focused on work. It was relaxing (after the trial on Monday of course).
More office project progress as I got a firm commitment from the structural engineer and approval from insurance to engage.

We celebrated our country's Independence Day and my hubby's birthday. Daughter and grandkids got him this fun cake -- he's always liked the beach.

Hubby is frustrated by his wooziness and lack of stamina. :-(
Our weather here continues to be hot. The thunderstorms cool things off. This week I've been praying for those suffering through the earthquakes.

I had another good week of reading and finished four books again: 2 audiobooks and 2 ebooks. I posted four reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Reading Under the Blankie. Norrie describes herself: "Book lover, cat hugger, coffee drinker, wiseass, capable of eating half a cheesecake in one sitting. Best not to approach before she had her breakfast."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt; Genre: Legal Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
  • A2019- Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren; Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker; Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Computer (NG2019)
Princess Arebeena: and the Crystal Fairies


Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies
by Fiona Boyd
This is a light children's story;
my review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2019.



2. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)
The Highwayman audiobook cover art


The Highwayman
A Longmire Story
By: Craig Johnson
Narrated by: George Guidall
Length: 3 hrs and 43 mins
This is a nice little mystery with great narrator accents.
Source: January 2019 Audible Sale $.99.
Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)


Every Last Breath
by Juno Rushdan
This is good romantic suspense 
with intense situations and characters.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)



Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Monster Hunter, Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
This is an easy, fun listen.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (eB2019/TBR)
The Riley Covington Collection: Monday Night Jihad / Blown Coverage / Blackout / Inside Threat (A Riley Covington Thriller) by [Elam, Jason, Yohn, Steve]


Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
I had the print version of book 3 for Ladies Book Club. We will be discussing this on July 13.
I decided it made sense to buy the boxed set on Kindle.
Source: Print 2017 or 2019 Kindle $9.99.
Riley Covington is still reeling from his father’s brutal murder when he learns he’s been traded. Meanwhile, the counterterrorism division has detected a plot to detonate electromagnetic pulse bombs that could leave the U.S. without power, communications, and transportation—right down to dropping planes out of the sky. CTD scrambles to stop the attacks, but they run out of time. Amid the fallout, Riley, Scott, Skeeter, and CTD must regroup to make sure the second bomb doesn’t reach its destination.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)



A Quiet Life in the Country
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
By: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
I picked this for a change of pace as this seems a lighter mystery.
I'm enjoying getting to know the primary characters.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they’ve just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life.
But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There’s a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation…
As Lady Hardcastle and Flo delve deeper into rural rivalries and resentment, they uncover a web of intrigue that extends far beyond the village. With almost no one free from suspicion, they can be certain of only one fact: there is no such thing as a quiet life in the country.
Revised edition: This edition of A Quiet Life In The Country includes editorial revisions.
©2016 T E Kinsey. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
40105465. sy475


Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin
I like the premise of this supernatural fantasy.
I continue to work on my NetGalley titles.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antiques and curios shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them and along with her business partners Teag, who has Weaver magic and Sorren, a 600-year-old vampire, they get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
When zombies rise in Charleston cemeteries, dead men fall from the sky, and the whole city succumbs to the “grouch flu,” Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren suspect a vengeful dark witch who is gunning for Teag and planning to unleash an ancient horror. Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren—and all their supernatural allies—will need magic, cunning, and the help of a Viking demi-goddess to survive the battle with a malicious Weaver-witch and an ancient Norse warlock to keep Charleston—and the whole East Coast—from becoming the prey of the Master of the Hunt.



4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)



Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Thought I would pick from the older TBR titles.
I think I have seen the movie but it has been years.
Source: 2011 Audible purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Edgar Award Winner, Best Novel, 1979
One enemy spy knows the secret of the Allies' greatest deception, a brilliant aristocrat and ruthless assassin - code name: "The Needle" - who holds the key to the ultimate Nazi victory.
Only one person stands in his way: a lonely Englishwoman on an isolated island, who is coming to love the killer who has mysteriously entered her life.
This is Ken Follett's unsurpassed and unforgettable masterwork of suspense, intrigue, and dangerous machinations of the human heart.
©1978 Ken Follett (P)1985 Brilliance Audio


July 7, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I will be starting a 7 day study, Today's Words, Tomorrow's Harvests, tomorrow for part of Mid-year Challenge. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]


I completed four books and posted four reviews. That keeps me current on reviews to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 13 unread. The April titles are still at 2 as I chose to read a title picked up in January. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue and plan to read at llest one this month.
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 received two new review titles this week through NetGalley.
I selected a title for Blitz Tour.
I bought one daily deal this week; working on deciding on my 2nd June credit.
I downloaded week 11 titles from SYNC.
One free kindle title this week. (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 titles from NetGalley:
44232457. sx318
You Don't Belong Here
by Sean O'Toole
"Two muskrat brothers become displaced due to a storm and end up in a lady's backyard."
This is a NetGalley title starting with "Y" for Alphabet goal. Also, I like the idea of the story.


45862803. sy475 Deep State
by Chris Hauty
"The unthinkable is happening. The Deep State is real. Who will die to keep its secrets? Who will kill to uncover the truth?"
New to me author. I thought I'd give this political thriller a try.


Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19.
The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige




Won
NONE

Purchased
7/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95
Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? audiobook cover artWho in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
By: Rebecca Tinker
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 01-22-19


Free
7/7/2019 1st July free Audible Original:
The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent audiobook cover artThe Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Adam Baldwin
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 05-24-16


HAS ANYONE READ EITHER OF THESE? I get to pick one of 30 titles as July VIP at Audiobook.com. I'm trying to decide between these two:
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (just not sure if the language is too rough for me.
OR
Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

https://www.audiobooksync.com/content/uploaded/images/toolkit2016/synchead-150x150.jpg
SYNC Audio 2019
Week 11: July 4 – July 11
THE NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson, narrated by Nicola Barber (Brilliance Audio)
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST by Oscar Wilde, narrated by Rupert Degas (Naxos AudioBooks)

I added just one title again this week 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 July 7, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher continued with a video showing Ken Peters decades old prophecy and born-again testimony. One of the descriptions in his vision was the moment of death by decapitation execution for failure to renounce Jesus as savior. The sensation was that he felt no pain but was immediately in the presence of Jesus where he felt “precious in God's sight”.

Pastor shared how many in the congregation served water during our local Independence Day ceremonies. He reminded us that serving the community is an important part of our mission, noting that Millennials and Gen Z look for greater purpose, not just church fellowship.

Pastor then continued his sermon series titled Resolution. This week’s message was based on the second part of Hebrews 10. The book reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice for all ended the prior system of priestly, ritual sacrifices.

Pastor noted that many people are naturally skeptical or at least cautious. “If it's too good to be true, it probably is” and “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” attitudes.
This would fit the people begin addressed by Hebrews because the whole Jewish culture was changed. Hebrews 10:19-25.

Our new freedom begins with the (blood) sacrifice of Jesus. Can we, do we, trust it? Pastor encouraged us to look at the ‘case for Christ’.

Hebrews 10:26-31 reflects a frightening message. It sounds as though there is no salvation for those who “deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth”. But really this section is a contrast to Grace, not a contradiction. We all continue to sin and would be doomed but for Jesus' blood. The verses are really saying that lamb and bull sacrifices are no longer effective. Only the sacrifice of Jesus … and faith therein … brings salvation.

We cannot make ourselves more righteousness by minimizing or avoiding sin. This is the tension between law and Grace. There is only condemnation under the law, not freedom. Hebrews 10:32-39 sets out this conflict but encourages us to patiently endure with our faith.

Jesus’ blood doesn't Tip the scales of Justice/the law in our favor. It removes the scale. We are no longer measured by the law. Only by Grace. As to the continuing to sin, the Holy Spirit will convict if we are listening.

Point: Confident trust in the Lord, brings great reward.

What does trust look like? We learn to trust first by faith, and later we learn to perceive eternity.
We can never measure up; we can only trust Grace.
Do you trust Him? Or trust yourself?
Do you trust God with your life. With Radical love and assurance that allows you to follow Him?
You may need to ask yourself: Where is your lack of trust and how can you begin to resolve it?
We each have a choice: Reject condemnation or reject Grace.

I think this song fits today's message.
Verses for Today:
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

I thank God for the gift of salvation and for giving me a solid faith to Trust in Him.

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Saturday, July 6, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies by Fiona Boyd

This is nice ‘princess’ story.
Princess Arebeena and the Crystal Fairies
by Fiona Boyd
Princess Arebeena: and the Crystal Fairies
File Size: 7390 KB
Print Length: 38 pages
Publisher: Troubador Publishing (February 6, 2019)
ASIN: B07NGNW2QY
Genre: Children, 5-7
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


Welcome to the magical Kingdom of Treenesta, governed by King David and Queen Trixie!
This is the first book in the Crystal Fairy series, which features seven feisty sisters with a touch of attitude. This story is set around the day of Princess Arebeena’s birthday where Princess Arebeena is tasked with a treasure hunt. Accompanied by her best friend Isabella, Princess Arebeena sets out on an exciting adventure looking for her missing tiara… but what else will she find along the way? As you travel through the land of Treenesta, you will meet some interesting animal characters, including Fern the frog, Saffi the barn owl and Dreeva the dragon. Find out how Princess Arebeena makes friends with the seven crystal fairies: Ruby, Amber, Citrine, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst and Rose.
Will the Princess find her tiara? And after such a tiring quest, how will she get back to the Royal Palace in time for her birthday celebrations? The storyline encourages a positive attitude, bravery and emphasises the power of friendship, and is beautifully illustrated at each step with detailed, full-colour paintings. It will be enjoyed by children aged 5-7 years.


Review:
Princess Arebeena is preparing for her birthday party with her friend, Isabella, when Arebeena realizes that she doesn’t have her tiara. Her parents have hidden the tiara and directed her on a treasure hunt. The girls set out, first searching the castle and then the grounds. Fern the frog directs them to the wise barn owl, Saffi. Saffi introduces the girls to the crystal fairies. They give her a special gift, but they don’t have the tiara. They will have to face a dragon before they can complete the treasure hunt.

This is a story that shares positive aspects of friendship and courage. Little girls are likely to really enjoy the story and the soft, pleasant illustrations. There are longer text sections which I didn’t think really would work for the intended audience age, especially if the child tries to read by him/herself. Still it is a cute story and can be read by a parent to their child(ren).

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Friday, July 5, 2019

Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker

This is a fun, fast military sci fi.
Star Nomad
Fallen Empire, Book 1
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-18-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.


Publisher's Summary
The Alliance has toppled the tyrannical empire. It should be a time for celebration, but not for fighter pilot Captain Alisa Marchenko. After barely surviving a crash in the final battle for freedom, she's stranded on a dustball of a planet, billions of miles from her young daughter. She has no money or resources, and there are no transports heading to Perun, her former home and the last imperial stronghold.
But she has a plan.
Steal a dilapidated and malfunctioning freighter from a junkyard full of lawless savages. Slightly suicidal, but she believes she can do it. Her plan, however, does not account for the elite cyborg soldier squatting in the freighter, intending to use it for his own purposes. As an imperial soldier, he has no love for Alliance pilots. In fact he's quite fond of killing them.
Alisa has more problems than she can count, but she can't let cyborgs, savages, or ancient malfunctioning ships stand in her way. If she does she'll never see her daughter again.
Fans of Firefly and Star Wars should enjoy this fun, fast-paced new series from USA Today best-selling author Lindsay Buroker.
©2016 Lindsay Buroker (P)2016 Podium Publishing


Review:
Captain Alisa Marchenko is a former Alliance pilot who was stranded on a foreign planet while in the hospital recovery from wounds in the final battles. The determined Alliance troops have surprisingly beaten the Imperial with their superior cyborg warriors. Now Alisa wants to repair her mother’s downed freighter and get back to her home planet, Perun, and her daughter. Unfortunately, Perun is the only planet still in the hands of the Imperials.

Alisa and a friend she has brought along for her mech skills make it to the dilapidated freighter only to find it is already occupied by a cyborg soldier. She expects resistance but the cyborg agrees to go with them provided they detour to a planet as the first stop of their journey. Alisa takes on a security guard and manages to attract two passengers: a religious man (carrying a secret) and an ethereal woman who trades in herbs, mushrooms and other unknown products.

This motley crew must survive the journey across the universe to get to their goals. They will face ruthless pirates, hideous monsters and who knows how they will be treated if they can get to Perun.

I enjoyed the strange crew and how they end up helping each other. Apparently even cyborgs have honor and he is a fascinating character. It is vaguely reminiscent of Firefly which I really enjoyed. There is humor and lots of danger and action. The story moves along well to a point but does not resolve. It will continue in the next book. I recommend this to fans of sci fi adventure.

Audio Notes: Kate Reading does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The narration helped to make this an easy and fast listen.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

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