Audible Book Review: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor

This is such a fun series and I enjoy the mishaps and Max’s recovery efforts.

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5)
by Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max’s obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they’re right up against it.
A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it’s up to them to retrieve it before anyone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come.
And as if that’s not enough, someone (Max) has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham.
It’s hot, they’re running out of supplies, they can’t find the gun, and it’s all going horribly wrong. Again.

Review:
The staff at St. Mary’s don’t call themselves time travelers. They are historians who “investigate major historical events in contemporary time”. They have strict instructions to watch and record; never to get involved, take anything or leave anything behind. Dr. Maxwell (Max) is the chief training officer of the team and has learned that one of the crews left something behind in Ancient Egypt.

Max always likes to clear up messes before the big boss finds out. She and her usual cohorts in mischief, Mr. Markham and Tim Peterson, are prepared to sneak back in time to fix the problem. This seems like it would work easily enough but somehow this trio always runs into trouble.

I love the humor in this series. And the history is interesting too – this time including shipbuilding, insect stings, and a wedding ring. The characters interact with banter and comradery. Even Max’s new husband, Leon, a Chief Technical Officer, helps in the final rescue.

I recommend this series to those who enjoy history, time travel, and humor. Listening to this spurred me into getting the second book so I could continue with the main stories.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does such a great job with the characters, the energy, and the fun. This series is great fun on audio.

Source: November 2015 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook goal, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth 2019.

My other reviews so far in this series:
Audible Review: Just One Da*ned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25
Audible Book Review: The Very First D*ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.5
Goodreads Review: Christmas Present, The Chronicles of St. Mary's #4.5 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.0
Audible Review: When a Child Is Born, A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story. by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25.

Audio Book Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr

This is a nice Christmas Romance; reliable Robyn Carr.
Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, Small Town
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on.
So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.
As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Review:
Becca and Denny were young lovers when she was in college and he set off to be a Marine. Denny’s mother died and he broke off his relationship with Becca and reenlisted, leaving her devastated. It has been three years and Becca is wondering if she can commit to her boyfriend of the past six months. She suspects that she has unresolved issues with her first love.

Becca knows her twin brother, Rich, is heading out to Virgin River to meet with his service buddies, including Denny. Becca shows up at the last minute to invite herself to the hunting and fishing trip.

The tension is immediate when Denny sees Becca walk in behind Rich. He had asked for a second chance after his confused mistake but she shot him down cold. Why in the world would she show up now at a men’s hunting weekend? The sniping between the two ends up with Becca suffering an accident which means she is stuck in town with Denny taking care of her. Can they stop their defensive bickering long enough to admit their true feelings? And how would they resolve the distance between Becca’s home and family in San Diego and Denny’s chosen life in rustic Virgin River?

It may have taken me a little time to warm up to Becca but her attitude is realistic in light of the hurt that she suffered when Denny dumped her. It was fairly evident that Denny never stopped caring for her but he didn’t want to be hurt again either.

It is charming to see how the town members support each other and are ready to fold Becca into their community family. Author Carr has this special ability to present real characters and a warm small town community. Becca’s care and concern for the local children adds an additional sweet element along with the town members caring for the less fortunate among them. I have read a few of the early books in this series and this easy, cheery read works fine as a nice holiday stand alone. I recommend this to fans of Robyn Carr and fans of small town romances.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer is a consistently reliable narrator for this series. Her clear character voices and emotional portrayal add depth to an already strong story. The audio makes this a plus listen for me.

Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals and #HoHoHoRat.

Sunday Post November 17, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 18, 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.

This was another busy week with hearings and a fun but cold outing on Tuesday night.

Our grapevine is taking over the corner of the porch. Bear dog (in the front left) is getting his thicker winter coat.
We had some wet days last week but now things are supposed to warm up to 75 this week.

I enjoyed lots of Christmas stories this past week. I finished 12 11 books! (I had one numbered twice.) Eight ebooks and three audios. I posted four reviews on the blog. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to My Guilty Obsession. Kindlemom is "a full time mom and avid reader" and maybe "a book hoarder".
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 10, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 11, 2019.

• NG2019-#NetGalley Book Review: Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier; Genre: Dramatization, Fiction, Historical; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 15, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/21/2019.

• eTBR- Book Review: The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick; Genre: Historical, Holiday Romance, Short Story, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

• #HoHoHoRAT 2019 Book Bingo Challenge.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: One Wish by Jodi Thomas; Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday, Novella, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #382 Comment Giveaway November 16, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/30/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 17, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

Evergreen: A Christmas Tale
by Richard Taylor
This is a sweet story of tradition and love.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
This is a nice Christmas Romance; reliable Robyn Carr.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal.
Click on book title for full description.

#HoHoHoRAT Books completed - Total 13 and that wrapped up my TBR Goal!
Before 11/11
Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier (Audio)
One Wish: A Christmas Story by Jodi Thomas (Not a TBR)
The Sheriff’s Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick
Between 11/11 and 11/17
1. Evergreen: A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor
2. Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr (Audio)
3. Christmas Scandal… Not! by Jeanne Savery (Regency England)
4. The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas) by Kevin Whitlark
5. Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway, #4.5) by Elly Griffiths
6. Santa’s Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsey (TBR from 2012)
7. Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor (Audio)
8. A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews
9. A Christmas Message from the Moon by Philip Gibson
10. Christmas Once Again by D.K. Deters (Christmas and Time Travel)

11. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I  enjoyed the storytelling in this collection.
Source: June 2018 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Duration: 10 hrs and 32 mins
I ran out of TBR Christmas Audios so I decided to switch to Sci Fi for #SciFiMonth.
Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
Two teens must learn the "art of killing" in this Printz Honor-winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times best-selling Unwind Dystology series.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: Humanity has conquered all those things and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life - and they are commanded to do so in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe - a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
©2016 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley
I realized I don't have any SciFi NetGalley titles. Maybe I'll go look for one or two.
This may be the wrong season but the beginning is breezy and enjoyable.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.
And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

3. Audio/MPS (AReview)

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary
This sounds like a military romance I will like.
Source: Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services.
It Only Took a Moment for Him to Know She Was His
Navy SEAL Kane McNamara has his mission. Four potential terrorist targets in Oman. His job is to keep everyone safe and try to figure out where al-Qaeda will strike next. Guarding an International Music Show is on the bottom of Kane’s list until he meets the woman organizing the event, then all bets are off. She’s fun, feisty and their chemistry is off the charts.
Has She Finally Met Her Match?
A.J. Lancaster has never met anyone like Kane. Nobody's ever given her this much crap or been this much fun. Her job doesn't give her a spare second to think, but she'll make time to flirt with the most interesting man she's ever met. The fact that he’s insanely gorgeous in that rough mountain man sort of way might also be why she’s taking a minute to enjoy some man candy.
It's Turning Deadly...Fast
Soon Kane, A.J., and the rest of the Night Storm SEAL team realize the music show is the next target. When bullets fly, it’s down to Kane and his team to stop al-Qaeda’s plans, and Kane must ensure that the stubborn woman he loves stays alive so they can have their chance at a happy ending.

November 17, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I have started Love God Greatly - Thanksgiving study to lead up to Thanksgiving.

I completed 12 books and posted four reviews. I have 11 books to review so I'll be doubling at Goodreads this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 9. 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 resisted Daily Deals and Chirps this week but purchased three Audible title.
12 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

I don't care to use my credits for titles under $17.99. So I treated myself to these by purchase.
$10.99
Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 07-23-13

$7.49
The Traveler Series
A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 03-06-19

$5.99
Murder on New Year's Eve
A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1
By: P. Creeden
Narrated by: Shaniese Reyes
Length: 1 hr and 11 mins
Release date: 08-15-19
Language: English

Free

I added 12 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 17, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher came in from sabbatical to share a great lesson this morning. The message was on faith and hope based on Hebrews, starting with chapter 3 and continuing into the “hall of faith”, chapter 11.

Our senior pastor is out of town so the sermon was shared by our youth minister (actually “Youth and Family Focus Director”). He continued with message six in The Blessed Life series.
This message is based on John 13: 3-16 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and shows them the example of servanthood. Jesus gave them an example, exhorting them ‘to do as I have done’. John 13:15. Jesus gives a call to action.

Often in our lives – family, church, work and community – we want to do what we want to do, not always what needs doing.

If you want to be blessed, learn to serve.

There is a difference between knowing and serving. The impact comes from doing what you know. The church needs to be and do more than being a place for information transfer.
We need to acknowledge there is a difference between being a consumer and a servant.
James tells us that faith without works is dead. James 2:14-17, plus 2:26 and James 1:22.

People need you because you know Him. What makes you qualified to help, isn't who you are but that you know Him. We have to go out and be the church. People may not know Jesus but they know you.

Impact 360 Institute research says that only 4 percent of Gen Z have a Biblical worldview.
They have no roots in faith, Sunday school, church, camp. The Biblical worldview has declined over the last generations as follows: 10% of Boomers; 7% of Gen X; 6% of Millennials 6; and now 4% in Gen Z.

The concern is that the Church became focused on programs rather than serving. Changing this starts with each Christ follower and each individual’s relationship with God.

If you don't learn how to serve in secret, you won't serve in public.
When you give don't let others know. Matthew 6:1-4.
Church attendance with nothing else is not living faith.

POINT: If you want to be blessed, learn to serve ... even without anyone knowing.

God will reward you openly for serving Him privately. Allow God to transform you.
Jesus takes the towel before He takes the throne. He picked up a towel and served. John 13:14.
Our society culture encourages us to live for ourselves, but Biblical culture says live as a servant to help others.

Jesus showed us the Father's heart. Don't live for yourself, be a servant. Love people as God loves you. You have the answer: Jesus. How is your heart to serve?
Love God, love people.

I like this Video Song for today; We need to share about the Jesus we know!

Verses for Today:
John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Lord, help me to be about doing and loving people to show them Jesus.  

Sharing Beyond Books #382 Comment Giveaway November 16, 2019

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

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
In Death by JD Robb (which I incorrectly called the Eve Dallas series) got 4 mentions and
Women’s Murder Series got 2 mentions. Two commentors prefer standalones and two others couldn't think of any series.
These are other series mentioned:

The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling (My son is frustrated I got stuck at number 5 of 7. They are just soooo long.)
Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey (23 – I think I read one long ago and meant to read more)
Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen (These are good suspense thrillers. I read this through about number 9 but it is now up to 29!)
The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun (29 books)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (9 big books and lots in between)
Virgin River Series by Robyn Carr (20+ books. I didn’t think of this even though I was planning to listen to one)
Mitford series by Jan Karon (14 books)
Morland Dynasty Series by Cynthia Harrod Eagles (I counted 35!)
The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton (25)

The Winner from SBB #381 comments is: #14 Elizabeth 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. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in.  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 #382

(One Question.)

Miki asks: If you wished to contact an author about something not urgent like telling her/him how much you love her/his book(s) would you opt for email or for a handwritten letter? Why that choice??

I like this question. I would be likely to send an email although I think a letter is such a nice idea. Who wouldn't enjoy getting a little card of encouragement? On the other hand, some say what the author would most appreciate is a nice review to help boost their work.

First image found at Pinterest and second image found at J.L. Pattison

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. Miki asks: If you wished to contact an author about something not urgent like telling her/him how much you love her/his book(s) would you opt for email or for a handwritten letter? Why that choice??

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 30, 2019, at 5 PM central.