Audible Book Review: Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

This is a remarkably entertaining suspense with good twists.

Orphan X
By: Gregg Hurwitz
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Series: Evan Smoak, Book 1

Series: Evan Smoak, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-19-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Evan Smoak was chosen as an orphaned child to become Orphan X. He was raised and trained in an off-the-books Orphan program creating assassins. Unlike most of the Orphans, Evan’s handler wanted to help keep him ‘human’. When events cut Evan off from the program, he chose to become The Nowhere Man. When a truly needy and deserving person calls, Evan responds to help the innocents of the world.

Evan has recently completed one of his good deed rescues and expects a gap before the next call. But a call comes in sooner than he expects. Although he queries the caller he cannot help wondering if this is legitimate. When he meets her and barely dodges a sniper bullet his suspicions increase. But he has rules he tries to follow and one of the most important is to protect the innocents.

Evan has to live a pretty solitary life to protect his secrets. Yet he finds himself being drawn in by others in his apartment building determining that he must step in to help them, even while he is paranoid about hiding his own identity.

A cat and mouse chase ensues as another assassin team has targeted Evan and is threatening innocent people to get him into the open. Suddenly Evan is facing other assassins who are trained as well as he is, including the legendary Orphan O. But even Orphan O has a handler and Evan has to discover who wants him dead, assuming he can stay alive to find out.

I was quickly drawn in by the detailed behaviors of Evan and enjoyed learning more about his history that is shared through flashbacks. He is not just a cold-blooded killer but has a complex and sometimes conflicting morality. There is plenty of action and interesting set up of the safe houses and protective measures needed to keep an assassins cover protected. I enjoyed this thriller and will be picking up more of the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy good assassin suspense.

Audio Notes: Scott Brick is a good choice for suspense narration. He manages to convey mystery while clearly presenting the complex character of the assassin. The narration helped me to enjoy this suspense.

Source: February 2017 $4.95 Sale purchase at Audible. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals. I may have to use this for my "X" alphabet title this year.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 20, 2019

Happy Friday! Whew - made it to another Friday with only a few left in 2019!
A Very Blessed and Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating next week!
I have sent out GCs and PayPal and international book orders. I am only waiting for one response to be complete and up to date (12/6/19) on international wins.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the December 13, 2019 Pick. There were No automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 13, 2019 Pick:
Linda gets a GC
and
Natalia gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

May your Christmas be Bright and full of Books!
Image found at Pinterest shared by Involvery.

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Connie Brockway: My Pleasure and My Seduction
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs
Long, Lean and Lethal by Heather Graham
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper
Treasures by Lisa Jackson (hardback)
No Limits by Alison Kent
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
A Highlander's Temptation by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,291+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audio Book Review: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

This is a delightful little holiday romance.
The Dogs of Christmas
Written By: W. Bruce Cameron
Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne

Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: October 2013
Duration: 6 hours 14 minutes
Genre: Animals, Dogs, Holiday, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

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....

Review:
Josh is nearly a recluse especially after his girlfriend walked away. He wasn’t much of a social fellow anyway as a software programmer who works on the computer from home. He isn’t thrilled when his neighbor delivers his dog to his door claiming he needs Josh to dog sit for the weekend until he can make other arrangements. Then Josh realizes that Lucy, the dog, is very pregnant. Josh has never had a dog, much less puppies. He is practically panicked when he calls the vet. But being the precise person that he is, Josh begins to research how to take care of the dog and puppies.

When Josh seeks help from the local animal shelter, he meets the lovely, strong-minded Kerri. Kerri is more than happy to help and finds herself interested in Josh who is willing to care so diligently for the dogs. The problem is, Josh is becoming attached to Lucy and the puppies. Kerri insists he cannot keep them and she wants to include the puppies to be delivered to new homes as part of the Dogs of Christmas adoption program. But Josh has learned the unique personalities of each dog and isn’t sure anyone else can care for them as he does. He now has a family of his own and doesn’t know how he will give them up.

Josh’s character is a little difficult as, at age 28, he is very socially immature. He becomes flustered like a teen boy in Kerri’s presence. Still, it is sweet and not totally unrealistic for a computer nerd. In addition to the conflict between Josh’s feelings for Kerri and the dogs, Josh’s unresolved feelings for his ex impacts his relationship with Kerri with a little twist.

The story flows well with humor and lovely dog antics, including one that has a handicap. The romance is light and gently presented. I enjoyed the easy, light, sweet story. I recommend it to readers who enjoy dogs and gentle romance.

Audio Notes: Kirby Heyborne does a very nice job with the narration. He aptly portrays the distress, confusion, enthusiasm, and other emotions, especially of the main character. The narration helped me enjoy the story and I would be comfortable listening to other books narrated by Heyborne.

Source: November 2019 $4.99 Sale Purchase at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

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

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

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:

• Sunday Post December 8, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 9, 2019.

• MBS November 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• A2019- Audible Book Review: The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent by Larry Correia; Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary, #SciFiMonth2019; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• eB2019- Book Review: Where Are You Moosehead? (Rosie Bears Adventures) by Andy Stonehouse; Genre: Animals, Children's Book; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 13, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/19/2019.

• 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.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Collection; Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• Sharing Beyond Books #384 Comment Giveaway December 14, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/28/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 15, 2019 Advent Week 3.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

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)

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
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)

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 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 $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 $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 $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 $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 $2.98
By: John Seabrook
Narrated by: Erin Moon
Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
Release date: 12-06-18


Spring 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 $.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.