Sunday Post November 3, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 4, 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 had a good week. Some new suits filed and some catch up work.

I had forgotten I had this picture of our oldest granddaughter from the cruise 'play area'. She helped me get my steps in as we spent a couple of hours roaming the decks and checking things out.

The cold swooped in on Friday. We were cold even though it was only 40 degrees. Temperatures are supposed to warm up to the mid 70s this week.

I enjoyed another good week of reading/listening. I finished five books: three audios and two ebooks. I posted four reviews on the blog, one at Goodreads, and a Blitz with Giveaway. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Jackie's Bookbytes. "Jackie's Bookbytes is about blogging and writing reviews in connection with the books I read." I really enjoy her blog theme and colors.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 27, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 28, 2019.

• eBTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Fated Hearts by Patricia Mason (; Genre: Fantasy Romance, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• A2019- Audio Book Review: The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis by Jeff Kinley; Genre: Christian Prophecies, Inspirational, NonFiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• NG29019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles; Genre: Anthology, Romance, Small Town; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Audio Blitz with Giveaway: Journals of Octavia Hollows. US Rafflecopter ends 11/5/19.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 1, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/7/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux; Genre: Horror, Mystery, Vampire; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: May it Be So by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson; Genre: Christian, Devotional, Inspiration, Spiritual Meditations; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #381 Comment Giveaway November 2, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/16/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 27, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ATBR)

OCTOBER MOURNING: A SONG FOR MATTHEW SHEPARD
by Lesléa Newman
Narrated by Emily Beresford, Luke Daniels, Tom Parks, Nick Podehl, Kate Rudd, Christina Traister (Brilliance Audio)
This is a beautiful work.
Source: July 2914 SYNC Audio.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson
There are some wonderful quotes in this.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP3 (2019Tour)

The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6
by Stacey Rourke
Narrated by: Brenda Scott Wlazlo
This is a very fun listen!
Source: Audio provided for Tour Blitz on 10/31/19 hosted by Caffeinated PR.
(Blitz with giveaway linked above.)

Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Sackett's Land
The Sacketts, Book 1
By: Louis L'Amour
Narrated by: John Curless
Series: The Sacketts, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
I pulled in a book to listen to in the car. 
My first choice wasn't downloaded properly so I got this.
I loved the adventure!
Source: 2003 Audible title.
Publisher's Summary
After discovering six gold Roman coins buried in the mud of the Devil's Dyke, Barnabas Sackett enthusiastically invests in goods that he will offer for trade in America. But Sackett has a powerful enemy: Rupert Genester, nephew of an earl, wants him dead. A battlefield promise made to Sackett’s father threatens Genester’s inheritance. So on the eve of his departure for America, Sackett is attacked and thrown into the hold of a pirate ship. Genester's orders are for him to disappear into the waters of the Atlantic. But after managing to escape, Sackett makes his way to the Carolina coast. He sees in the raw, abundant land the promise of a bright future. But before that dream can be realized, he must first return to England and discover the secret of his father's legacy.
Don't miss other titles in The Sacketts series.
©1974 Louis L'Amour (P)2010 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio

5. eBook/Kindle (Author2019)

Reasons to Kill God
by I.V. Olokita
This is a dark story but speaks of compassion too.
Source: Author Review Request.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I think I am ready for a fantasy.
Source: June 2018 Audible Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil, and not everything fair is good...and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
The international hit that inspired the video game The Witcher.
©2008 Andrzej Sapkowski (P)2015 Hachette Audio

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt
I enjoy this series and although this is jumping ahead of some I haven't read, I think it will be okay.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
“Bark of Night is a treat, especially for those who love thrillers and dogs.”
The next novel in David Rosenfelt’s witty, heartfelt mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara.
When defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s veterinarian asks to speak to him privately at the checkup of his golden retriever, Tara, the last thing Andy expects is Truman. Tiny, healthy, French bulldog Truman was dropped off days ago with instructions to be euthanized by a man everyone thought was his owner. But now the owner is nowhere to be found.
Andy is furious. Who would want to euthanize a perfectly healthy dog with no explanation? He is willing to whisk Truman away to the Tara Foundation, the dog-rescue organization which is Andy’s true passion. They will find a home for Truman. But that’s not all the vet tells Andy. Thanks to Truman’s chip, it’s discovered that the man wasn’t Truman’s owner at all . . . Truman's real owner has been murdered.
It’s now up to Andy – with help from his loyal sidekick Tara, Truman and the rest of the gang – to solve this case. In the latest in the popular Andy Carpenter mystery series, David Rosenfelt’s charmingly clever wit and love of dogs are back and better than ever.

I will be participating in Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon 2019 which starts 11/8. I expect this to help get closer to meeting my TBR goal for the year.
These are some of the books I will choose from:

Audios:
Christmas Eve 1914 1h13m (2018)
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story 1h25m (2015)
Tis the Season: Under the Christmas Tree/Midnight Confessions by Robyn Carr (2018)
eBooks:
Papa Abrams Special Christmas by Ruth Price (2014 Gift) 9
Evergreen A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor (2012) 17pgs
The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick (2012) 13
The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas Book 2) by Kevin Whitlark (2012) 17
Christmas Scandal...Not! by Jeanne Savery (2010) 22
A Bear of a Christmas by A.J. Cosmo 22pgs (2012) GR
A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson (2017) 16
Thomas & the Christmas Orange by Lewis Brech (2011) 17
Santa's Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsay (2012) 26
Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway Series) by Elly Griffiths (2012) 29
Romy's Garden Adventures (Christmas City) by Rob Towner (Author, Illustrator) (2012) 30
12 Days of Christmas for the Hurting by Rachel Wojnarowski (2012) 43
A Christmas Feral (Magical Cool Cats #3) by Mary Matthews (2012) 56
Christmas Runaway (Single Title Series Book 3) by Mimi Barbour (2012) 58

(Longer books are likely to read after the readathon.)

November 3, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I plan to start some shorter studies again this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed five books and five reviews. I have four to review from last week.
My NetGalley shelf just is at 11. I am still working on NG titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have three author titles as I forgot one added earlier this month. I'll finish them all this year.
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.
I picked up a total of EIGHT audio titles this week - using all available credits.
11 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

Okay - Audible had a two for one credit sale so I ended up using my two October credits. I have to wait until 11/19 for my next credits.
10/29/19 Audible Sale 2 for 1 Credit:
Son of the Black Sword: Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, Book 1
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: Saga of the Forgotten Warrior, Book 1
Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins


Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon, Book 1)
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Series: Cyber Armageddon, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins


10/31/2019 Audible Sale 2 for 1
Sherlock Holmes
By: Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen Fry - introductions
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
Length: 62 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 02-27-17
62 hours is a real whopper but they break it into several downloads. My son talked me into this one.

The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Box Set Collection I
Prequel + Books 1 & 2
By: H.Y. Hanna
Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt
Length: 17 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 02-21-18


Audiobooks.com also had 2 for 1 Deal which I usually take advantage of each month. I have to wait until 11/5 for my next credit there.
10/29/2019 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Deal

A Fatal Obsession
Written By: Faith Martin
Narrated By: Stephanie Racine
Duration: 8 h 57 min
This sounds good.



Woof
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: James Frangione
Duration: 7 h 5 min
I have been looking at this series for a while.


I also picked up two Daily Deals:
10/29/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World
A Novel
By: C. A. Fletcher
Narrated by: C. A. Fletcher
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 04-23-19

11/2/2019 Audible Daile Deal $2.95
Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 06-04-19

Free

I added 11 free Kindle titles 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 November 3, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher reviewed the remarkable events that were compiled and shared by Jonathan Cahn in his latest book, The Oracle. The class agreed that the fulfillment of prophecies set out in the Bible supports the reality of God and the Bible as His inherent word.

We enjoyed nice praise music before celebrating the baptism of two young women who shared their testimonies and confessions of faith. So wonderful!

Pastor continued his sermon series on The Blessed Life. Pastor shared that he learned an important nugget as a staff pastor. He learned that his job was to make sure his leader was successful. Some senior pastors made it easy because he could fully trust them and their decisions; others maybe not so much. Pastor acknowledged that it was not important who gets credit for ideas but that the right ideas are being pursued. Pastor determined that when he turned his attention to what was important to his ‘boss’, he decreased but his value increased.

This message extends to seeking what God wants. I become less, so Jesus becomes greater.
If our blessing is having God's supernatural power working for us, does that happen best when we are at our greatest or at our greatest need? We are not enough by ourselves even if the world says otherwise. We must decrease to see the increase.

At one point the disciples ask Jesus “who is the greatest in heaven?” Jesus’ reply was: “whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-5.

Children need parents, adults to help them in life. We need to recognize that we need our heavenly Father.

This is consistent throughout God's principles: Decrease (in our own importance) leads to increase.

Authority – our blessings come when we are under authority.
Stewardship – we are just managers of what God allows us to have.
Tithe – when we honor Him with our first fruits, He will provide for our needs.
Sowing and reaping – when we sow with Christ in mind, we reap a larger harvest.
Mercy and forgiveness – when we decrease in our anger and bitterness so we can forgive, we receive mercy and forgiveness for our own transgressions.

The Point: The greatness of me cannot coexist with the greatness of God/Christ.

John the Baptist recognized that he was only to help make a way for the Messiah. John found joy at the success of Jesus. John 3:24-29. In verse 30 he states: “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Pastor asked us to question ourselves:
Every day, month, year is there less of me and more of Christ?
Am I concerned with what concerns God?

We must acknowledge I need Him more than ever; I will never be enough; we need Jesus.

This song popped out to me today: I Need You.

Verses for Today:
John 3:27-30
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

Lord, I pray today that I become less important so Your Glory and power can increase and shine out.

 

Sharing Beyond Books #381 Comment Giveaway November 2, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eleven of us shared new to us authors and I am planning to check them out!

The Winner from SBB #380 comments is: #12 LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURE 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.]  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**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 #381

(One Question.)

Ashfa asks: What is the biggest book series you have read??

(I keep thinking and having to add to this list.) I can think of these long series that I have completed or am still reading:
Destroyermen Series by Taylor Anderson. I love this alternate universe series has 14 books from 2008 with the 15th coming out in 2020. I have book 14 in my Audible library which I plan on listening to soon.
The Andy Carpenter Series by David Rosenfelt. I really like this series about an wealthy attorney who loves and rescues dogs. Starting in 2002 this is up to 20. I have read 1 through 10 and am reading #19 soon.
Womens Murder Club Series by James Patterson: 19 books from 2001 to book 20 due in 2020. I listened to many of them and am on hold at book 11.
The Pendergast Series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs. This is a dark FBI detective series starting in 1995 and will reach book 19 in 2020. I have through book 13 in my library but think I haven't listened since book 10. My husband was more dedicated to this. I have been thinking about relistening. The narrator Rene Auberjonois is awesome.
The Eve Dallas Series by J. D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) - 50 books released from 1995 to upcoming 2020. I have listened through book #16.

Completed Series:
Sookie Stackhouse, (The Southern Vampire Series) by Charlaine Harris. This fun series had 13 books (2009 to 2013) plus an afterbook and a few short stories. I listened to most of them through #13 but have not listened to the afterbook nor short stories.
Charley Davidson Series by Darynda Jones. This is another fun series with 13 books from 2011 to 2019. There are additional short stories I haven't read.

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. Ashfa asks: What is the biggest book series you have read??

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 November 16, 2019 at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: May it Be So by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

There are some wonderful quotes in this.

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson

File Size: 16573 KB
Print Length: 127 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (September 24, 2019)
ASIN: B07MP54Q39
Genre: Christian, Devotional, Inspiration, Spiritual Meditations
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Combining prayers in two languages--words and images--this contemporary prayer guide will help you spend time in conversation with God.
As people of faith, we all struggle at times to sustain a flourishing prayer life--a loss felt all the more keenly in these times of confusion, political turbulence, and global calamity. This unique book offers a timeless solution for the spiritual and skeptical alike.
Combining story-driven reflections with visual and written prayers, this simple 40-day prayer guide will help you reconnect with God as you rediscover your own ongoing conversation with Him. Using the familiar refrains in the Lord's Prayer as a guide, this groundbreaking resource invites you to reconnect with God creatively and organically.

Review:
There are gems in this devotional based on The Lord’s Prayer.
There are forty prayers shared with sometimes a drawing, sometimes a story that gives wisdom and faith that serve to direct mediation. The authors describe the work as:

…a piece of art.
…an act of love.
…a redemptive tool.
…a resource.
…designed to stir, inform and inspire.
…it is not ‘content’.

The goal is to encourage an ongoing conversation between the reader and God.
I thought I would try to read this as a daily devotion, but that did not work well for me with the ebook format. I read it more in groupings each week. I did enjoy reading it this way.

I loved the story about the beaded bracelets and the children in India. Some of my favorite quotes are:

I am not alone. Neither are you.
The power in a gift is that it changes the recipient.
May the work it takes me to move forward never keep me from wanting to move.

I am likely to order this in print format for myself and copies to share as a gift to friends. I recommend it to others who want to meditate on a deeper meaning of The Lord’s Prayer.

Released: September 24, 2019; Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

About midway I did get into this classic, gothic story.
The Phantom of the Opera
By: Gaston Leroux
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-04
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Classic, Gothic Horror, Gothic Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires.
(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
This story is presented as an investigation that slowly develops about an “opera ghost”. The story takes place in (and under) a famous opera house in 19th Century Paris. The first third tells of some accidents that have occurred in the opera house particularly regarding beautiful young stars. The author then focuses on a current, upcoming performer, Christine, and the young nobleman, Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, who adores her. Raoul wants to romance Christine but he finds her pushing him away because she is under the thrall of a strange beautiful voice. She knows him as Erik, the Angel of Music, while others who do not know him personally, are sure he is the Opera Ghost. Is he real or a ghost? Is he a sad, tragic man or a monster?

Christine is torn between her love of music shared by the man who is tutoring her with his musical gift, and her childhood friend and ardent suitor, Raoul. As Raoul becomes more involved the story becomes more and more interesting.

When Erik kidnaps Christine in the middle of a performance, Raoul receives help from a strange man, the Persian. This is a man who has a past with knowledge of Erik. He is aware that Erik is a master of hidden rooms, illusions, and traps. The underground rivers, hall mazes, and dangers that he navigates with Raoul were particularly interesting.

It has been years since I saw The Phantom of the Opera as a play so I was interested to read/listen to the original story. Once I got through the beginning, I did find it fascinating. I found the illusions elements even more interesting than the love triangle. If you have any interest in this classic, I recommend pushing through the early part to enjoy the complexity of the rest of the story.

Audio Notes: Ralph Cosham was a British-born American performer. He delivers this work with a convincing French accent. The narration doesn’t always provide distinct accents/voices for the characters as it is consistent with the investigative nature or the story. This worked fine for me and I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 12/16 Daily Deal $.99 for me since I already had the Kindle version. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.