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Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Audible Book Review: Push Back, The Disruption Series, Book 2, by R.E. McDermott

This is a story I didn't want to put down.
Push Back
The Disruption Series, Book 2
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Push Back audiobook cover art
Series: Disruption, Book 2
Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-12-16
Language: English
Publisher: R. E. McDermott
Genre: Alternate History, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


Publisher's Summary
Earth reels in the aftermath of a savage solar storm, a global disaster of unprecedented proportion which leaves most of the world without electrical power or the means to restore it. Across the world, the responses of unprepared national governments are too little, too late. In the US, order collapses and opportunistic forces rise to fill the power vacuum, as what remains of a self-serving federal bureaucracy prioritizes the survival of politicians and bureaucrats over that of the general population.
As chaos and starvation spread, isolated pockets of survivors unite to survive. In Texas, Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of seamen and ex-Coastguardsmen gather their families close and resist the depredations of a hoard of escaped convicts. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a similarly determined group of survivors attempts to use salvaged resources, not only to save themselves, but also to feed the hungry.
But not everyone is happy about the efforts of the valiant and resourceful few. Secure in his Camp David compound, a corrupt president consolidates power and builds a mercenary force to deal with any possible challenges to his absolute authority and to seize all dwindling resources for government use and fair distribution.
Survivors of the natural disaster are thus dealt another blow as they're betrayed by the very government established to protect them. Do they knuckle under to a dictator, or do they push back?
©2016 Robert E. McDermott (P)2016 Robert E. McDermott


Review:
The world has been set into chaos by a solar storm which knocked out electrical power and most normal sources of communication. Some groups have gathered together to share resources and protect one another from others, like gangs of roaming convicts, who would pillage and rape.

This story follows several groups and individuals introduced in Book 1, Under a Tell Tale Sky. Captain Jordan Hughes and a ragtag group of seamen and ex-Coastguardsmen are trying to gather their families onto a flotilla of ships in Texas. As they plan fortifications some of their members set out to travel to Louisiana to seek their own families. Those who travel find friends and foes while those who remain are soon facing attacks by the local convicts who are seeking control. The resistance is building but they are struggling to survive and gather before they can stand and fight.

Meanwhile Congressman Tremble and his son have escaped the FEMA headquarters in Virginia. Tremble is one of the few men living who knows the secret betrayal of the POTUS and corrupt Homeland Security forces. Tremble and his injured son are dodging capture and received help from Wiggins and Tex, two former ship crewmen, who are making their way over the Appalachian Trail to Wiggins’ family in Maine. Another decoy giving some cover for Tremble is former FEMA agent, George Anderson, who has set off on his own. He meets some interesting characters on his beleaguered run. He’d like to find a safe place, but agents are hot on his track.

There is plenty of action to keep the reader/listener interested. There is violence, terror and heartache. I was holding my breath at times. I appreciated the fact that the author doesn’t need to use foul language to fill his story. I have purchased Book 3, Promises to Keep, so I can finish the trilogy ‘next year’. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic, action adventures.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce is a wonderful narrator. He shares the emotional energy of the story while giving characters their own voices. The narration is enhancing my enjoyment of the series.

Source: July 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Sunday Post December 15, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 16, 2019

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.




Staff and I had a fun week in between work. I have a trial on Friday I will be preparing for. I hope to get a bit of time to update finances before year-end.

I am still struggling with my eyes. A week or so ago the eye specialist said I would still have blurring and floaters for a few more months. He also said the itching and burning are related to allergies. I have trouble at night working on the computer as my eyes get blurry and sore. I spent half of Saturday listening to books with an eyepatch trying to rest a sore, swollen eye. I am going to try to see the local eye doctor this week. Maybe it's just a matter of eye drops.
Please forgive the errors in my posts which I don't see to fix until another day.
This is one of several pictures of our pets at the chef's feet.
Obviously he has spoiled them with tastes.

Our temperatures have been in the 50s with an occasional rise to 70s. We've had some rain which keeps it on the chilled side.
I am doing laundry as we are packing warm clothes for our visit to Illinois.

I enjoyed my reading and listening this past week although it was slow again. I finished two audiobooks (and I am far into another).   I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Just One More Page. Jen, is a 29-year-old who says books have taken over her life. Many of us can relate!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • A2019- Audio Review: Her Ruthless Protector by Caitlyn O'Leary; Genre: Military Romance, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
Push Back audiobook cover art


Push Back
The Disruption Series, Book 2
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-12-16
This is a story I didn't want to put down.
I plan to pick up book three.
Source: July 2018 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)
Dogs of Christmas, W. Bruce Cameron


The Dogs of Christmas
Written By: W. Bruce Cameron
Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: October 2013
Duration: 6 hours 14 minutes
This is a delightful little holiday romance.
Source: November 2019 $4.99 Sale Purchase at Audiobooks.com.
Summary:
While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy-and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies.
Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy's tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter's 'Dogs of Christmas' program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her.
But he's fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh's life. He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody's strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family.
With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn't willing to lose her, but doesn't know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man's life?
W. Bruce Cameron's The Dogs of Christmas is a charming and heartwarming holiday tale that explores the power of love, trust, and a basket full of puppies....



Currently Reading:
1. Pdf/Computer (eBook)
The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical Romance by [Raddon, Charlene]


The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical
by Charlene Raddon
It is a little slow for me to read on the computer. I am 60% in.
Source: Review request received from Babs Book Bistro.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
42757881. sy475


Strands of Truth
by Colleen Coble
I am at 70% and I am really enjoying this Christian Romantic Suspense.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)



Orphan X
By: Gregg Hurwitz
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Series: Evan Smoak, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
This is a remarkably entertaining suspense with good twists.
Source: February 2017 $4.95 Sale purchase at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It's said that when he's reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them.
But he's no legend.
Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He's also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as part of the off-the-books black box Orphan program, designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence assets - i.e. assassins. He was Orphan X. Evan broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear.
Now, however, someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training. Someone who knows Orphan X. Someone who is getting closer and closer. And will exploit Evan's weakness - his work as The Nowhere Man - to find him and eliminate him.
Grabbing the listener from the beginning, Orphan X is a masterful thriller, the first in Gregg Hurwitz's electrifying new series featuring Evan Smoak.
©2016 Gregg Hurwitz (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.



December 15, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I plan to start another Advent study tonight as I didn't get to one last week.

I completed two books and posted four reviews. I am current on reviews.
My NetGalley shelf is at 10. I still have one more NG title from July that has released. I will read that one next. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13) which I guess are moving into 2020.]
I still have two author titles that I expect to carry into January 2020.
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 no review titles but
I picked up Seven Audible titles on sale. title at Chirp.
I added 2 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
These are two books for Ladies Book Club. I purchased the print books for $2.99 each at Christianbook.com and passed them out to the book club in November for us to discuss in January.
I picked up these copies this week for my reading/listening over the holidays:
Kindle Edition $3.99
An Endless Christmas: A Novella by [Ruchti, Cynthia]
An Endless Christmas: A Novella
by Cynthia Ruchti




Audible Sale purchase $5.24
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1
By: Michelle Griep
Narrated by: Nan McNamara
Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 01-11-18



Won
NONE

Purchased
12/13/2019 Audible Member Sales - 7 books fo $24.27.  I picked the first title as it was such a good price. The others were all originally priced under $16.99 so I prefer to buy them on sale rather than use a credit.
Southlands audiobook cover artSouthlands $5.98
Lee Harden, Book 2
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 05-28-19


Hour of Need audiobook cover artHour of Need $5.24
Scarlet Falls, Book 1
By: Melinda Leigh
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 12-09-14

Iron Garland audiobook cover artIron Garland $4.50
Harbinger, Book 3
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 11-13-18

Tier One audiobook cover artTier One $3.15
By: Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 09-01-16


Jingle Bell Pop audiobook cover art
Jingle Bell Pop $2.98
By: John Seabrook
Narrated by: Erin Moon
Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
Release date: 12-06-18


Spring in Geneva audiobook cover artSpring in Geneva $1.50
By: Sylvia Kelso
Narrated by: Jesse Einstein
Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 08-18-15

Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street audiobook cover art
Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street $.94
By: Kevin Hearne
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
Release date: 09-09-14


Kindle Purchase $.99

Universe in Flames - Ultimate 10 Book Box Set: An Epic Space Opera Adventure
By: Christian Kallias


Free
I added 2 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 December 15, 2019 Advent Week 3

Our Sunday School teacher shared a video of David Barton with the message: Was America Founded on Christian Principles? The message is quite timely.

Pastor shared another Christmas sermon on "The Pronouncement" of Joy and Peace to the Shepherds. He made the argument that we undervalue peace and overvalue other things. Pastor reminded us that we were created to have peace before the fall into sin. We gain peace by surrendering to God.

The Point: Peace is an undervalued product of trusting Jesus in, for and with everything. 
Just trust!

The Advent Wreath:

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

The angel’s message to the shepherds is the joyful news that the Savior promised to Israel in its days of darkness is now a present reality: God is with us in the flesh. He is no longer a distant entity, known from afar, but truly close to us. The proclamation that “a savior has been born for you” is a message before that compels us to take a position.


Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Sharing Beyond Books #384 Comment Giveaway December 14, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
This event won't be back until after Christmas so have a
Blessed Holiday and Merry Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
12 out of 14 of us named specific books or authors we would like to purchase. Two were not sure. Of the authors named, I did not know three of them and I hope Alina gets Night Study by Maria V. Snyder as that is such a good series.


The Winner from SBB #383 comments is: #8 MARJORIE 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 #384
(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: My library started offering free museum passes to check out. What are some unique aspects at your local library? Or what do you wish your library would offer??
I don't visit our library enough but I am glad that they offer audio books.
Image found at Route to Retire.

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. Elizabeth asks: My library started offering free museum passes to check out. What are some unique aspects at your local library? Or what do you wish your library would offer??

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, December 28, 2019, at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Collection

This is a wonderful collection!
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas by [Eden, Sarah M., Stansfield, Anita, Hatch, Esther, Barker, Joanna]
File Size: 2029 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications (September 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07W6J5RJG
Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden - The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield - When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring - Esther Hatch Elizabeth - Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress - Joanna Barker - Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.


Review:
This is a lovely holiday collection and a nice way to “meet” new authors. Faith is a low key part of the stories. I would enjoy reading more by any of these, especially by Ms. Eden and Ms. Elizabeth. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy gentle historical romance.

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden.
Adam, known as the Dangerous Duke, became the Duke at age seven when his father died. Adam’s face had been scarred as an infant and he believed his mother struggled with caring for him. Adam had been taught that “Duke’s don’t cry” and he hid his hurt when his mother returned to London after a short visit for his father’s funeral. He remained estranged from his mother for all these many years but this Christmas his mother has come home unexpectedly.

Adam was fortunate to have married a bright, beautiful woman, Persephone. They have been blessed with a boy, Oliver, and are expecting their second child which is due after Christmas. The local Vicar, Roswell Duncan, is visiting as a houseguest, rather than traveling back and forth in the snow.

Vicar Roswell and Dowager Duchess, Harriet, begin to enjoy keeping each other company. They decide on a special surprise for Christmas, hoping the plans will allow Harriet to heal the rift with her son.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the way the author brought them together. This is a lovely story. My rating 4.5.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield.
Addie escaped a bad home life and was thankful to find a position as a seamstress that provided room and board although money for savings. One early morning a local businessman, Theo, sees the shop light on and stops in. He asks Addie to sew a button on his jacket. After they chat a bit, he asks her to come manage his home as his sister-in-law has become ill and can no longer take care of his daughter, Becky, and the household.

Addie is thrilled to find a better position. She is happy to step in and begin preparing food, and cleaning and straightening the house. Addie is especially glad to find herself caring for Theo, Becky and Marla. They all begin to flourish but sadness still pervades the house. As Christmas nears will Addie be able to find a way to bring joy to the season and the family?

The characters seemed very real and this is another lovely story. My rating 4.25.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is in her second season and is fighting her mother’s plans to marry her to a wealthy nobleman, no matter how much older he may be. Her friend gives her the idea to be just a little daring to put off the current matchmaking. She learns that Lord Hawthorne, Davenport, is on the outs with society and he is not interested in marriage. Elizabeth decides to solicit his help in her plan.

Davenport is a delightful young man who is misunderstood by society. He is high enough in society to ignore rules but he will also be careful not to compromise Elizabeth. He agrees to help her and they are soon delighting in their shared adventures.
Elizabeth is charmingly natural and Davenport an unusual nobleman. This is wonderfully fun and I would love to read more by Author Elizabeth. My rating 5.0.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker.
Nell Addington was gently raised as a Vicar’s daughter. After his death, she had to take work as a seamstress to help support the family. She is very pleased when her childhood friend, Jacob Hammond, commissions a dress for his shy sister.

Jacob is surprised to learn Nell is working as a seamstress. He has been away at town avoiding his own father and he didn’t realize the circumstances that impacted Nell’s life after her father died.

Nell agrees to come to the house for fittings and Jacob is pleased that her visits are helping to draw out his sister. A snowstorm causes Nell to have to spend extra time at Jacob’s estate. Even as she realizes she would like a deeper relationship with Jacob, she fears she may lose her job with her strict seamstress boss.

These characters are gentle, and the story is sweet. My rating 4.25.

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

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