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

We were back at work full days this week. Heather worked on getting caught up on bookkeeping; Staff did their jobs; and I had numerous appointments plus court work.

Last week I got a picture of Heather and the kids in the golf cart ready for their community parade.

I'll be taking Hubby to hospital tomorrow morning for heart catheterization. This should allow us to know if anything new is going on.
Our weather here continues to be hot. This week my prayers are for those in the line of Hurricane/tropical storm Barry.

I had a good week of reading but it seemed a bit slow: 1 audiobook and 1 ebook. I posted four reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Ramblngs of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Billy is an author and a reader who is a huge horror fan, but loves other genres as well.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

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

• MBS June 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Highwayman A Longmire Story by Craig Johnson; Genre: Ghost, Mystery, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan; Genre: Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 12, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.

• Sharing Beyond Books #373 Comment Giveaway July 13, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/15/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 14, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. 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
This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
My review is linked above.
Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eB2019/TBR)

Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn
We enjoyed this intense Christian thriller.Source: Print 2017 or 2019 Kindle $9.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin
I am enjoying the paranormal aspects of this. (70%)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige
I started this to make sure I would be ready for the tour post on Thursday. It is very cute and I am enjoying it so far. (30%)
Source: Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19.
Publisher's Summary
The only reason Lauren entered the Hashtag Hunt was for the $10,000 grand prize. She needed seed money for her startup, and it sounded easy enough: 12 hours to text 12 photos to someone called the Wizard. For hashtag number five, Lauren needs a #HottieInTheWild, and with the help of her best friend, Ivy, she finds the perfect subject.
The only reason Brenner entered Barkley’s Pub was to have beers with Scott, an Army brother back in town. The reunion is interrupted when a woman is caught crouched in a dark corner, taking pictures of Brenner. Lauren explains, and though embarrassed, she accepts Scott and Brenner’s offer to help with hashtag number six.
While hunting for hashtags, Lauren finds adventure and romance with her #Hottie, but she must stay focused to beat the clock and win the cash.
©2018 Kristina Seek (P)2019 The Audio Flow, LLC

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
This is engaging but tense. (55%)Source: 2011 Audible purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Computer (NG2019)

The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical
by Pauline Tait
I started this and it is sweet. (30%)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
"They could remember its warm amber glow shimmering and sparkling as it danced through the air, twisting and turning as it went."
When Leona was woken early one morning, she knew something had to be wrong. But as she rushed to meet the elders, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to hear. Life in Fairy Glen was about to change...the words fairy dust were echoing in the air!

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander
This looks like a fun read.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
The Library of Ever is an instant classic for middle grade readers and booklovers everywhere—an adventure across time and space, as a young girl becomes a warrior for the forces of knowledge.
With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored—until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.
She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

July 14, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I will be finishing the 7 day study, Today's Words, Tomorrow's Harvests, tonight. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed two books and posted four reviews. That outs me up to date on reviews.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is at 14 unread. The April titles are down to 1 so I keep making progress. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue and plan to read at least 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 three new review titles this week through NetGalley.
I bought four audiobooks - two from Chirp and two from one credit at Audiobooks.com.
I downloaded week 12 titles from SYNC.
Seven 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

I received three titles from NetGalley:
Storm Rising
by Ronie Kendig

Fledgling

by Molly Harper

Yours Truly, Thomas

by Rachel Fordham

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/10/19 I discovered a new site for inexpensive audiobooks: Chirp
Both of these titles were on my Wish List. 
$3.99
It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
Runtime: 14:27:03

$1.99 Hunted

by AD Starrling

Runtime: 10:07:09

7/14/19 2 for 1 Credit at Audiobooks.com
It wasn't easy to pick two out of 19 or so titles but I decided on these.

The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse
By Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated By: David Rintoul
Duration: 6 h 29 min

Someone to Care

By Mary Balogh
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor

Duration: 11 h 25 min

Free

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


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 12: July 11 – July 18
BECOMING KAREEM by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, narrated by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Hachette Audio)
VINCENT AND THEO by Deborah Heiligman, narrated by Philip Fox (Dreamscape Media)

I added seven titles 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 14, 2019

This morning we enjoyed a video on growth of Christian communities in Colombia and Nairobi. These revivals started with prayer against evil spiritual strongholds (spiritualists, mediums and witches) and God honored the prayers of the people. The evil elements moved out and spiritual (and economic) growth occurred in the communities.

Our pastor and his wife were away for a funeral of a good friend. Our youth pastor led youth song praise and worship and then gave the message continuing in the Resolution series. This morning’s sermon was based on Hebrews 11:1-7 which is more of the letter addressed to the Jewish Christians who may have been facing persecution.

The purpose of Hebrews is two fold:
1. Elevate Jesus above anything else, this is who God wants us to follow.
2. Challenge believers to stay faithful even during struggles and facing persecution.
Chapter 11 addresses “Faith”. Not the faith that is religion but faith that is trusting God that He will do what He has promised even when we don't see the path. We often seek the signs of God over the word of God.

We may be praying for God to show up but faith is the evidence of things we cannot see. Faith is trusting in the Word. It is faith in His word not in works.

Don't be a spoiled child seeking what is in His hands. Instead be thankful and trust Him to give what is needed.
Hebrew 7:6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
We need to trust His word over our circumstances. God's word still stands!

Isaiah 55:11; Luke 1:37 The word of God will never fail.
Hebrews 6:13 Abraham waited patiently….
Hebrews 11:7 Noah acted by faith….

There is a gap between where you are and where God is. This gap is where we fall if we give up trusting. We need preparation, strength and equipment to travel the gap. That is what the Word provides. The foundation of faith is in the word. That foundation will get us to the promise.

I think this song fits this message:

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV Faith in Action
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Lord I praise You and give you thanks that You have allowed me faith to trust Your path and Your promises.

 

Audible Book Review: A Quiet Life in the Country by T E Kinsey

This is a nice, cozy historical mystery.
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
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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.

Review:
Flo has been lady’s maid and companion to Lady Emily Hardcastle for many years. They fled China after Lady Emily’s husband was murdered and lived in India before returning to London. Now they have moved to the country expecting to live quietly. Only a few days into settling in Lady Emily and Flo go for a walk in the near by woods and stumble upon a death scene. A local young man is hanging from a tree. At first look the police may think this is a tragic suicide until Emily starts to point out the details that show this is really a crime scene.

Lady Emily decides to help the local authorities. Mistress and maid decide to become detectives like Holmes with sidekick Watson. They continue to visit socially while doing questioning. They are invited to attend a local birthday celebration which ends up with trouble. A man is found dead the morning after the party. Inspector Sunderland is addressing the death while the party hostess pulls Lady Emily aside and asks for her help. Knowing that Lady Emily and Flo are doing amateur sleuthing the hostess asks if they can investigate a special jewel that has gone missing.

Lady Emily and Flo are busy if not quiet. They have a lovely relationship that is unusual for the aristocracy in 1908. There is a little mystery to their history which adds to the intrigue of the story. Flo is skilled in martial arts so she is confident she can protect them for the most part. Both Lady Emily and Flo are quick to discern crime clues and are adept at subtly questioning witnesses. Although the initial reaction with the Inspector is hesitant, he soon recognizes their helpful input and they develop a nice friendship. The country setting presents an opportunity to portray village life.

I enjoyed the combination of historical setting, unusual character friendships and busy mystery. The tongue in cheek relationship between mistress and maid/companion adds nice humor. I would pick up more titles in the series when I am looking for a nice historical mystery. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical, cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden does a lovely job with the narration. She provides distinct voices for the characters and captures the unique British humor. The narration enhanced my enjoyment in this story.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sharing Beyond Books #373 Comment Giveaway July 13, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
It is nice to know that most of you have support for your reading. Nine and 1/2 have support; and five and 1/2 do not have support; two have family who are "okay". The 1/2 has a mother that supports reading and a father who doesn't. Another commenter doesn't have partner support but her dogs love to cuddle while she reads. :-)

The Winner from SBB #372 comments is: #4 FREDAMANS 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 #373

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: I have become quite inspired by the HGTV shows, do you enjoy this type of show??

I occasionally will watch some of the HGTV shows as I like real estate hunting and remodeling.

Image found at HGTV.com.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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. Marjorie asks: I have become quite inspired by the HGTV shows, do you enjoy this type of show??

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 July 27, 2019 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs:Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo

This is an easy, fun listen.
Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2, Monster Hunter , Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75

Publisher's Summary
A new novel in the Monster Hunter Memoirs series. Two authors, who combined have over four million books in print and 10 New York Times best sellers, team up to expand Larry Correia's Monster Hunter universe!
Nightmare in the Big Easy
With New Orleans out of control, Chad Oliver Gardenier, one of Monster Hunter International's premier hunters, has been dispatched from Seattle to reinforce the beleaguered members of MHI'S Hoodoo Squad in their fight against the darkness.
Chad had once taken a werewolf while wearing only jogging gear. With half a dozen or more loup garou appearing every full moon, mysterious shadow demons, houdoun necromancers, 50-foot bipedal crocodiles showing up every couple of months, and more vampires than a Goth concert, New Orleans in the '80s gives a whole new perspective to the term hell on earth. In fact more monsters are popping up than crawfish at a fais do do! Chad may be able to collect enormous bounties for the monsters he kills. But there's one catch: He has to stay alive to do it!
©2016 Larry Correia and John Ringo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Chad Oliver Gardenier took the chance to get out of Seattle where he had a target on his back for messing with a young (40 year old) elf. Chad doesn’t like the heat of Louisiana but soon realizes that he likes the food, the women and the busy hunting action, not necessarily in that order.

New Orleans is experiencing an increase of supernatural creatures and it is important for the forces who fight the monsters to get control of the infestations before the issues leak to the pubic at large. The local communities aren’t such a problem since they are inclined to believe in the paranormal and magic and most of the people love the HooDoo squad.

I liked the more relaxed relationship between the Monster Hunter International (MHI) team and the local authorities including the local officers in the Federal Monster Control Bureau (MCB). The MCB is tasked with keeping supernatural from the public eye. When an incident occurs the MCB have a clean up crew and a mostly reasonable accidental explanation for the damage and deaths.

I was glad to listen to this cheeky monster hunting journal in the MHI universe. This series is full of action and humor. Chad is fun although on the wild side as a Casanova aka Player. He feels his exuberance in life is justified since he expects to die soon considering the nature of his business fighting werewolves (loup garou), vampires, zombies, strange squid, giant (elephant size) mole rats and eventually giant land scrambling, people eating lobsters (or similar crustacean). Chad actually does have a soft side for his friends and teammates and he tries to save the innocent bystanders whenever he can. This comes out even with some bad language and lots of ‘battle’ action.

It was nice to have some regular MHI characters join the New Orleans battle including, Earl, Ray, Milo and even MCB Agent Franks. This story is presented as a journal of Chad’s early days in New Orleans. The journal includes fun and serious tips for younger hunters and fun details regarding the Puff bounties which were numerous. I recommend this to those who already love the MHI series and as a fun listen to someone who might want to try the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a wonderful job narrating this series. I love his emotional energy as well as his multiple voices. Listening is a wonderfully entertaining experience.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.