#NetGalley Book Review: Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

This is a sweet historical romance.

Yours Truly, Thomas
by Rachel Fordham

File Size: 9546 KB
Print Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800736338
Publisher: Revell (July 2, 2019)
ASIN: B07NDMW5C9
Genre: Christian, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.
Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.
When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

Review:
Penny was raised in a wealthy home with all the society frills until her father died and his investments were mishandled. Penny felt fortunate to get a job as a clerk in the Dead Letter Office to support herself and her frustrated mother. Penny still has dreams of romance and becomes involved when she reads a romantic letter from a brokenhearted man to Claire, the love he left behind. But the letters aren’t reaching Claire and Penny becomes determined to get them to the young woman.

After finding news about Claire, Penny decides to locate Thomas who wrote the letters. Penny has to choose to go along with her mother’s plans to move in with her uncle or to stay where she is and support herself. While deciding her future she takes a few weeks off to travel to Azure Springs and find Thomas.

Thomas was running when a wagon accident left him stranded in Azure Springs. He didn’t plan to stay but has found a warm welcome and is starting to think this is a place to change his life.

Penny and Thomas meet and begin to form a friendship in the warm community of Azure Springs. They are both hiding the secrets of what brought them to town, but circumstances still push them forward. Meanwhile, someone is sabotaging Thomas’ efforts to start a farm with attacks that are increasing in danger. Can they find the strength and courage to expose their hearts and move away from the past into the future?

I love the “dead letter” element of the story and how it leads the characters to meet. Penny is such a sweet caring soul who is more than willing to leave her society life behind. Thomas is a man who feels he has done wrong and he is not sure he deserves a new start. Christian themes gently underline the story without being preaching. The author sets up situations that can provide redemption and forgiveness if the characters can turn there.

This is my second visit to Azure Springs with Ms. Fordham, having read The Hope of Azure Springs this past spring. The stories read fine as standalones. I enjoyed the warm characters, the light humor, and the easy reading. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet historical romance.

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

Audible Book Review: Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane by Patti Smith

I enjoyed this artist sharing about her songs and her life.
Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane
Words and Music
By: Patti Smith
Narrated by: Patti Smith

Length: 1 hr and 23 mins
Performance
Release date: 11-01-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Live Events, Storytellers
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5

About This Audible Original
Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane features live audio of performances captured over three evenings in September of 2018 at the Minetta Lane Theatre in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, woven into a single, one-of-a-kind audio event. Pioneering artist and writer Patti Smith commands the stage to perform original spoken-word stories from her life, interwoven with the music of her beloved catalogue, played live by Smith, her son and daughter–Jackson and Jesse Paris Smith–and longtime collaborator Tony Shanahan. What transpires is a personally revelatory showcase, an intimate portrait of an icon, focusing on family and taking stock of a near to 50-year career devoted to artistic integrity.
©2018 Patti Smith (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
I chose this audiobook in hopes that I would recognize the songs. Patti Smith was coming into her career about the time I was finishing law school. I really don’t recall her from my college days probably because I enjoyed more of the folk artists of the day rather than the rockers.

I didn’t recognize the songs but I enjoyed them along with the poetry and the memoirs of her life. It was nice that it was a family affair. I recommend this for all the elements.

Audio Notes: The performance and presentation felt like an intimate performance which the listener gets to attend. I’m glad I selected this.

Source: November 2018 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Ruins of Gorlan, Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1 by John Flanagan

I enjoyed this adventure fantasy where a young ranger battles monsters.

The Ruins of Gorlan
(link is to a newer release)
Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1
By: John Flanagan
Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Published March 13th 2008 by Recorded Books
Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Ages 11-13, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
The international best-selling series with over FIVE million copies sold in the US alone!
They have always scared him in the past - the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied....
Here is the fantasy adventure that launched the Ranger's Apprentice series, an epic story of heroes and villains that has become an international phenomenon. Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.
©2006 John Flanagan (P)2019 Listening Library

Review:
Will is a 15-year-old orphan who has arrived at the age of “choosing” where the children are chosen for their apprenticeships. Will doesn’t know the name of his father but knows he died a hero in battle. The castle Lord has been kind to Will and the other orphans. Will wants to join the warriors to fight for his Lord, but Will is small and wily. He isn’t brawny for battle, he isn’t inclined to smithy work or cooking or most of the other training areas. After all the other children are chosen Will is left thinking he will be relegated to the farms as an unskilled workhand. Then he learns that one guild master has taken notice of him – he is chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice.

The Rangers are able to blend in the shadows. They scout and spy and learn to defend themselves in special ways. Will, with a sharp brain, quick reflexes and eagerness to find his place, is a good listener and fast learner. He would just like to earn a smile or sign of approval from his master/mentor, Halt.

The first year of training is nearly completed and Will is hoping to be approved by the full Ranger council. But before the ceremony can take place news comes that the exiled enemy, Morgarath, is back to remove the other leaders and take over the kingdom. He has raised and controls some powerful, evil monsters and has already killed several other leaders. He now has his eyes set on Gorlan. As everyone at Gorlan prepares for battle, Will, Halt and two other Rangers set out to fight the monsters.

I appreciated the author’s handling of young teen issues such as bullying and early interaction with those of the opposite sex. The trepidations and struggles of the young people are emotions anyone could relate to. The battles are fraught with danger but for the most part end with good defeating evil. This is appropriate for young people and for adults who like castles, knights, scouts and battles to defeat the monsters. I would be inclined to read/listen to more in the series.

Audio Notes: John Keating does a great job with the narration. He captures the voice of the characters, the emotional struggles and the intensity of the danger. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: February 2013 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post October 13, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 14, 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.

Last week was busy as I was pushing through work on my desk which is what I do when I go out of town. Even if I'll only be out of office for three days. We are off on a weekedn cruise with our children and six grandchildren. I've set this post up early so I suspect there will be more reading to show next week that didn't get in this week.
We are still haveing hot weather back home although a couple of morenings were quite lovely.

I had a good week of reading/listening. I am very happy that my Kindle with new battery is working! Yay! At the time I was preparing this post I had finished three audiobooks and one NetGalley. I posted two reviews on the blog and the usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Eater of Books. Alyssa appears to like all things fantasy... and hard work too.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 6, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 7, 2019.

• MBS September 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Death in the English Countryside by Sara Rosett; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Fledgling by Molly Harper; Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Teen & YA; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 11, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/17/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 13, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-16-16
I enjoyed this ghosting tale.
Source: 8/2/18 Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Yours Truly, Thomas
by Rachel Fordham
This is a sweet story similar to Signed Seal and Delivered.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Monster Men
By: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Narrated by: Sean Murphy
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 09-05-18
I picked this TBR for FRATERFEST.
Source: 2018 December Audible Purchase $.82.
They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. von Horn's attempts to create life from chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity.
Not until Number thirteen met the American girl who was von Horn's prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Then, monster or not, he turned against his master and his "brothers" and threw in his lot with the girl in a desperate attempt to escape the island of terror.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Lullaby
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 37 mins
Release date: 10-04-18
Another TBR for FRATERFEST
Source: 10/29/2018 Free Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
The fears and horrors of being a new parent take on a shocking dimension in in this heart-stopping original story, only from Audible. A young married couple, Matt and Gillian have just bought a gorgeous house located next to a lake in the Catskills. They want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to raise their baby girl, Hope, in relative peace and quiet. When night falls, however, their dream home becomes a house of nightmares. Matt and Gillian soon learn that darkness takes many forms. And sometimes, darkness is hungry.
New York Times best-selling author and Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry delivers a haunting Audible Original that will give listeners the Halloween creeps all year round. Scott Brick, the man with the golden voice, perfectly captures the experience of hearing a classic ghost story told around the campfire.
This product features adult language and themes.
©2018 Jonathan Maberry (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
I'm not sure what I'll be listening to by the time this posts. Maybe a children's book since I'll be with the grandkids or maybe another TBR for Fraterfest.
Here are two for Fraterfest or October
FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV - 1h 38m 2017
Alien: Out of the Shadows 4h 28m left 2016


2. eBook/Kindle (TBR)
I selected some "horror" titles for FRATERFEST and hope to read one or two even while with the kids.
These are nine short titles I may pick from:
Jupiter’s Revenge: An Amber Cook Sequel (The Horror Diaries Vol.18) (2018) 19pgs
Awaken: A Horror Short Story (2018) 20pgs
DARK REALITY-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012) 27
Trial by Fury (A Righteous Novella) (Righteous series) (2011) 29
Investing Isobella: A Sci-Fi Horror (2018) 38
Zombie Betrayal by Robert DeCoteau (2011) 43
Fated Hearts (A Paranormal Romance Novella) (2012) 46
Turned at Dark: A Bonus Shadow Falls Short Story (2011) 53
The MacKinnon Curse (The Beginning novella) (MacKinnon Curse novel Book 4) (2012) 55


3. Audio CD/Car (A2019)

The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)
I am engaged by this. (At disc 5 of 7.)
This is our Ladies Book Club reading to be discussed 10/19.
Source: Print books for book club; I picked up the Audio CD for about $7.00 ($1.64 plus 5.46 shipping).
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson
I am doing this for the 40 days so it will be listed for a month or so.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm continuing to pick titles from my list of TBR audiobooks under 10 hours.
I am deciding as I get to the next one although I have lined up some for Fraterfest (October 10-15).


October 13, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I didn't do another study but spent some time on May it Be So. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted three reviews. I have four reviews to post this week.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible. (Eventually, I will add older reviews.)
No change to author queue again this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 7 unread. I added another review and got my feedback ratio to 94%.
I am still working on titles I received 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- I better start soon.
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.
No new review titles.
Three audios from Chirp.
One 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I had a hard time didn't resisting these for $.99 each at Chrip

Elemental Thief
Written by Rachel Morgan
Narrated by Arielle Delisle





A Fistful of Evil
Written by Rebecca Chastain
Narrated by Elise Arsenault





Break the Rules
Written by Claire Boston
Narrated by Kathryn LaPlante

Free

I added at least 1 free Kindle title to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 13, 2019

Earlier in the year our Sunday School assistant teacher started a new study entitled Renewing Your Mind.

He reminded us that we were Chosen as part of God’s plan.
God's plan is a mysterious plan. His plan came even before He created man.
Man cannot thwart God's plan.
God wants your life, your mind, your soul because He redeemed it.
See for example Proverbs 8:22-23; John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:7; and 2 Timothy 1:9 …

This is a song shared with the message:

Do you feel the world is broken, we do.

A Verse for Today
2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,