Audio Book Review: No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1) by Karen Witemeyer

I really liked this historical romance!
No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1)
by Karen Witemeyer
Narrator Johanna Parker

Runtime 11 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher Recorded Books
Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Description:
Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one. Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve. As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

Review:
Emma Chandler was raised by her spinster Aunts in a small Texas town. As a young girl she rescued a starving, freezing boy she found in their barn. The two are best of friends for a couple of years until Malachi is driven out of town. Emma continues to pursue her dreams to provide a women’s colony as a sanctuary for abused women.

Things have been going well in Harper’s Station for several years when suddenly someone is threatening them and trying to drive them out of their own community. Emma and her staunch women aren’t about to back down without a fight. But Emma knows she needs help and she calls in the one man she knows she can trust – her childhood friend, Malachi.

Malachi is quick to respond to the call of the girl who saved his life. He is ready to help protect her and her community, but he will struggle to keep his distance from the woman he so admires.

I was immediately drawn by the young characters of Malachi and Emma and loved their maturity when they meet as adults and try to resist their obvious feelings. Ms. Witemeyer provides a plot with building mystery, intrigue and danger along with a sweet, tentative romance. The story moved along quickly, and I found it delightful. I will be picking up more titles by Ms. Witemeyer. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Historical Romance.

Audio Notes: Johanna Parker does a lovely job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices for the characters and fitting energy. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: Sale at ChristianAudio.com July 2017. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 11, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 12, 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 went along well. Friday we were at industry seminar so Thursday and Friday were 5 hour travel days.
My eyes are better although I'm still using the medicine.
I got extra reading during the driving.

I'm glad this yucca plant survived the hurricane wipe out. There was another but the lawn people ran over it.

This past week we had heat advisories.

I had a good week of reading/listening, finishing five titles: 3 audiobooks, 1 ebook and 1 children's ebook. I posted three reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes. I drafted a review for The Mueller Report but haven't decided if I will post it; it's hard to be neutral (even in the report).

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Bookish Treats. Marti joined at Mailbox Monday. She states at her Goodreads site: "I'm not picky when it comes to books. I can read almost any type of book as long as it's a good one."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 4, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 5, 2019.

• MBS July 2019 Reading List Wrap Up. 

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical, Victorian; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Space Dragons by Robin Bennett; Genre: Children's Fantasy, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 9, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/15/2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1) by Sarah Bennett; Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sweet Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #375 Comment Giveaway August 10, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/24/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 11, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Series, Book #1)
by Karen Witemeyer
Narrator Johanna Parker
Runtime 11 Hrs. - Unabridged
Release Date October 13, 2016
I really liked this historical romance!
Source: Sale at ChristianAudio.com July 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Girl in Red
by Christina Henry
This is realistic post apocalyptic.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Ember War
Publisher's Pack, Books 1-2
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: The Ember War, Book 1-2
Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
I enjoyed this first contact/space military adventure.
Source: November 2016 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Sleeping Tiger
by Rosamunde Pilcher,
Narrated by: Carole Shelley
I believe this was a re-read but I couldn't find it on my listings.
It is a quick, interesting story.
Source: 2002 Audible Purchase.
For the first time in her life, Selina Bruce wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring. She had impulsively left behind her lawyer fiancé in London and flown alone to a tiny island off the Spanish coast. She was searching for the father she'd never know, but what she found was an unexpected truth about herself and the man she planned to marry. For exotic San Antonio offered Selina more than the penetrating brilliance of the noonday sun. It offered her the mysterious George Dyer, who held the key not only to her past--but to her heart.

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

You Don't Belong Here
by Sean O'Toole
This is a NetGalley title starting with "Y" for Alphabet goal. Also, I like the idea of the story.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
Author Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason
Narrator Various Narrators
Runtime 10.17 Hrs. - Unabridged
I like two of these authors and will probably like the third.
Source: July 2017 Christianaudio Sale.
Description
In this collection of gripping novellas from the top authors of Christian romantic suspense, sins of the past lead to danger in the present. In Dee Henderson's "Missing," a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother gus missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins. Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with "Shadowed," introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector. Lynette Eason's "Blackout" delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

2. eBook/Kindle (Publisher eBTBR)

Preserving Liberty
by Candice Sue Patterson
I failed to get this title in my review list so it is t is about time I got to this title that I was graciously provided.
Source: Pelican Book Group review choice 2018.
Historic preservation specialist Liberty Carmichael loves her position at the Library of Congress, caring for America's oldest documents. So when she intercepts an inside threat by a radical group planning to steal part of Thomas Jefferson's original collection, she takes it to the highest authority--her father, the president. When he fails to take the threat seriously, she steals the books to keep them safe.
Undercover FBI agent Cole Harding is close to disbanding the group responsible for killing his father. Believing documents once owned by Thomas Jefferson hold clues to answering a two hundred year old question, the group's next target is the Library of Congress. However, he wasn't expecting the First Daughter to get caught in the middle.
Will Cole convince the president to trust his abilities? Can he keep Liberty safe without blowing his cover? Can either protect their hearts?

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Ethereal Squadron
by Shami Stovall
I'm looking forward to this military fantasy.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
SOLDIERS, SORCERERS, AND MONSTERS...THIS IS WORLD WAR ONE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER IMAGINED IT.
It’s 1916, and the world is on fire.
The Great War has already consumed much of the globe, but a second, secret war between sorcerers threatens to crack it in two. The ruling families of Germany and Austria-Hungary, those with the chill of magic in their blood, will stop at nothing in their quest for power, and they’ve drawn the entire world into a bloody war because of it.
But Florence Cavell—codename Geist—means to stop them. She had to defy her family, cut her hair, and disguise herself as a man to join the legendary Ethereal Squadron: a joint US-UK division of the allied powers’ mightiest sorcerers. Armed with her powerful specter sorcery, which allows her to “ghost” through bullets and barbed wire alike, Geist fights a tireless battle to end the war once and for all.
But then the Germans unleash the Grave-Maker Gas, a concoction so deadly it destroys everything it touches and transforms even the strongest sorcerers into terrible monsters. Even her ghostly magic can’t resist the gas’s corrosive power, and it costs Geist everything she loves—her team, her friends, even the use of an arm.
This is the new weapon that could end the war—and give the Germans the world.
Now Geist must risk it all to lead a new team deep into hostile territory to discover the source of this terrifying new technology before the enemy sets it loose upon the world. Will she be able to stop the Grave-Maker Gas before it’s too late...or will the secrets of her past finally catch up with her?

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Deception
By: Denise Mina
Narrated by: Richard Matthews
Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
I pulled this mystery from my older TBR shelf.
Source: December 2004 Audible Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
From Scotland's most exciting up-and-coming mystery novelist comes a story of Lachlan Harriot, a man who refuses to believe his wife, Susie, is a killer, even though she had been working with Andrew Gow, a paroled serial killer, as his court-appointed psychologist, when she was found covered in blood near the spot where his and his wife's bodies were discovered. Desperate to clear his wife's name, Lachlan searches her home office for proof of her innocence. What he finds in this formerly off-limits place is an unimaginable world that makes him question his wife and their life together. But something continues to trouble him, and he, believing that this is where the truth lies, follows his hunch beyond all reason and hope.
©2004 Denise Mina (P)2004 Books on Tape

August 11, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. No plan this past week. I will start a new study tonight. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed five books and posted three reviews. I am up to date with the five reviews to post this week.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still 13 unread. I have one more title released in June and then I'll start in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to get caught up on these too.
Still many titles 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 one review title this week through NetGalley.
I picked up two audiobooks with my two July Audible credits.
I selected no free kindle titles 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 one title from NetGalley:


A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley
"A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!"
I thought this would be a nice "Summer" title and a "V" too.

Won

NONE

Purchased

8/11/19 I picked these up with July Audible Credits.
Pass of Fire
Destroyermen Series, Book 14
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
Length: 19 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 08-13-19
This is a fav series so I have been waiting for this.

Outland
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 05-16-19
I like the author and narrator so I'm giving this one a chance.

Free

-0- 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 August 11, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher had a message planned but we never got to it. We discussed the loss of morality, lack of absolutes and lack of self-control in our country that have led to the current tragedies. We believe that it is not an issue of gun control (although certain specific limitations should be in place) but it is an issue of lack of right and wrong boundaries and lack of self-control. There is a spirit of lawlessness that is overtaking our society.

We had lovely praise/worship service leading to the Sermon. Our pastor delivered the final message in his Resolution series. This was based on Hebrews 12.

We've been given power-- the Holy Spirit. That power is not so we can sit at home. Power is wasted if it is revved up but not leaving the starting line. We are equipped to go into battle with others, with strength of numbers.  Matthew 16:18 states: the Gates of hell will not overpower it [the Church].

Hebrews 12 shows Christians involved in a race and racing means competition, going fast, not just walking. When rushing or trying to move forward we find obstacles. Sometimes God chooses to slow you down. So how are we to live this life, and live it for Christ?
In the book of Hebrews, the new Christians were hindered, pulled back by two thousand years of traditions.

We are in a race which God put us in. Hebrews 12:1. Each race has a Start and Finish. We are equipped with endurance for the race. The race takes priority. We must run a race as a disciple with God as our ultimate coach.

Is the church healthy? Are we properly prepared for the race? Hebrews 12:15-16. As we properly prepare (eat, work out, study the word), there will be changes in the body.

What is the race? To be true Representatives of Christ.
God says: Watch what I do; follow my instructions and my example.
God pursued us, loved us, and is continuing to perfect us. To win the race must drop every weight of sin; lay them down.

The Point: to run your race, set down, release, remove ALL that hinders you.

The battle is between Christ followers and the Gates of Hell.
Will you put down the hindrances that hold you back, that weaken your race?
Whatever it is, set it aside.
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2.

Hard Choice today as I found two good choices. I selected this one:

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Lord, I need your Spirit to guide and direct me to keep running the race, fighting the good fight, every day.

 

Sharing Beyond Books #375 Comment Giveaway August 10, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Six of thirteen commenters do not know what book they would bring to exchange on a free date. A couple of those indicated it would depend on the date which is true too. Two people would recommend travel books, one would recommend a classic, another suggested a contemporary and another a cozy mystery. There was also a recommendation for One Fine Day which is about a marriage in trouble... a story about lack of communication.


The Winner from SBB #374 comments is: #9 MIKI 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 #375

(One Question.)

St. James asks: Have any readers travelled on purpose to any novel / book destinations? If so, where and which novel??

I have travelled to locations in books I have read although I can't recall doing it purposefully. For example when I got to visit London I enjoyed visiting Hyde Park and streets and countrysides I am familiar with through historical romance. I also visited an English Manor and a castle when we were in Britain and Germany.

Image found at Chicago Tribune - settings to visit..

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. St. James asks: Have any readers travelled on purpose to any novel / book destinations? If so, where and which novel??

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 August 24, 2019 at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1) by Sarah Bennett

This is a delightful, easy romance.

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1)
by Sarah Bennett

File Size: 1975 KB
Print Length: 229 pages
Publisher: HQ Digital (April 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07FLK5G7D
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

She wasn’t looking for love…
When Lucie Kennington flees the bright lights of London for the quiet Derbyshire countryside, she’s shocked to discover that the heir to the Bluebell Castle estate is far from the wizened employer she expected.
In fact, Arthur Ludworth might just be the most handsome man Lucie’s ever laid eyes on – and a terrible distraction! So when she stumbles across a legendary painting feared lost for centuries, she can’t believe her luck – perhaps this is the hidden treasure to save Arthur and his family from ruin?
But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…

Review:
Lucie is an art specialist working at a well-known art auction. She made a lucky find of an original piece but when it is unveiled at the auction Lucie and another associate know that a fake has been substituted for the original. Lucie is targeted as the guilty party and she is put on leave. Her initial reaction is to crawl under the covers. But her mother convinces her she has to continue to live and she earn money to pay the rent. Lucie answers an ad for an art expert to catalog everything in a Derbyshire country castle.

“Sir” Arthur became the head of his family when their father died. He is aware that the state of the finances are precarious and may require sale of items or opening the castle to tours. Arthur hires an expert but neither Arthur nor Lucie expected the other to be attractive, charming and engaging.

The family’s predecessor was clearly influenced by the Arthurian Court as the current occupants include Arthur’s twin brother, Tristan, their twin sister Igraine (Iggy), their uncle Lancelot and great-aunt Morgana. Lucie is awed by the castle and the history. Among the art pieces Lucie finds a small miniature that leads to a treasure hunt. The diaries hint that there may have been an important work of art if only they can find it…maybe in the secret tunnels that haven’t been found for more than a hundred years.

Of course, Lucie and Arthur try to avoid the attraction to each other… until they can’t. But what is going to happen when Arthur and the family learn that Lucie is under investigation for art fraud?

This is a nice, sweet romance. I enjoyed the pleasant characters and the gentle development of the romance. I was annoyed by Lucie’s whining and hiding at first so I was glad when she moved forward. I enjoy Arthurian elements and treasure hunts, so I enjoyed the plot which is enhanced by the touch of zany and light humor. I can recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance (and a touch of Camelot).

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