#NetGalley Book Review: Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh

I found this delightful! (Read in two days!).
Someone to Honor
by Mary Balogh

File Size: 2288 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Publisher: Berkley (July 2, 2019)
ASIN: B07NK4K5L2
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

First appearances deceive in the newest charming and heartwarming Regency romance in the Westcott series from beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.
Abigail Westcott's dreams for her future were lost when her father died and she discovered her parents were not legally married. But now, six years later, she enjoys the independence a life without expectation provides a wealthy single woman. Indeed, she's grown confident enough to scold the careless servant chopping wood outside without his shirt on in the proximity of ladies.
But the man is not a servant. He is Gilbert Bennington, the lieutenant colonel and superior officer who has escorted her wounded brother, Harry, home from the wars with Napoleon. Gil has come to help his friend and junior officer recover, and he doesn't take lightly to being condescended to--secretly because of his own humble beginnings.
If at first Gil and Abigail seem to embody what the other most despises, each will soon discover how wrong first impressions can be. For behind the appearances of the once-grand lady and the once-humble man are two people who share an understanding of what true honor means, and how only with it can one find love.

Review:
Abigail Westcott’s life changed dramatically when her wealthy, titled father died, and it is discovered that he was already married when he married Abigail’s mother. The family rallied together but it still left Abigail, her mother, elder sister, and brother trying to find their places in the finicky Regency society. Six years later Abby is still trying to determine who she is as she avoids society that would snub her even though her extended family is more than ready and able to support her in social circles.

Abby arrives with family to see her brother, Harry, who has returned to their childhood home injured from the war. Behind the house, Abby comes upon a man chopping wood without his shirt. Abby still has the aristocratic response to scold the man, whom she assumes is a servant, for not donning his shirt in front of a lady.

Gil, a lieutenant colonel, is Harry’s superior officer who has traveled home to care for and support his friend. Gil might be the first to acknowledge that he is not really a gentleman, but that doesn’t stop him from taking umbrage with the haughty young woman who has upbraided him.

Although the two didn’t get off on the right foot, they soon state their apologies and begin to see their common interest in caring for Harry. Slowly Abby and Gil share time and discussion which draws them closer. When circumstances indicate that Gil needs a wife to help him in efforts to gain custody of his daughter, Abby is willing to step into the role with Harry’s encouragement. Abby has her own reasons for agreeing to the marriage and Gil is willing to accept her help while pledging to honor her and to be a good husband. The couple might be able to find their way without too much trouble until they have to face Abby’s mother and the rest of her Westcott and other titled family. Now there is increased tension between the newlyweds in addition to the stress of the upcoming custody trial. Will the stresses tear them apart or pull them closer?

I really liked both of these characters who have to walk a tight rope with their damaged backgrounds in a society that can be ruthless. Their initial opposition turned to friendship was well developed. The court custody trial was also a delight for me. The Judge has a certain irascible attitude mixed with humor that made the event fun reading.

Mary Balogh is a “go-to” author for me for her engaging historical romances. She creates interesting characters and provides plausible plots that are navigated with a touch of humor. I have read several of the books in the series and although they read fine as standalones, I think reading them in order helps understand the characters better as the stories proceed. I highly recommend this book, the author and the series.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Oracle by Jonathan Cahn

This is really remarkable! I wish this had been my First Book for 2020.

The Oracle
The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Michael Beck

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-07-19
Language: English
Publisher: Frontline
Genre: Christian Prophecies, Religion & Spirituality
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
New York Times and USA Today Best Seller!
Discover the amazing secret of the ages...and the mystery of your life!
The Oracle will reveal the mystery behind everything...the past, the present, current events, even what is yet to come! Open the seven doors of revelation - and prepare to be blown away!
Jonathan Cahn, author of the New York Times best sellers The Harbinger, The Mystery of the Shemitah, The Book of Mysteries, and The Paradigm, now unveils The Oracle, in which he opens up the Jubilean mysteries and a revelation so big that it lies behind everything from the rise and fall of nations and empires (even America), to the current events of our day, to the future, to end-time prophecy, and much more.
Could an ancient prophecy and a mysterious ordinance given in a Middle Eastern desert over three thousand years ago be determining the events of our day?
Could some of the most famous people of modern history and current events be secretly linked to this mystery-even a modern president of the United States?
Could this ancient revelation pinpoint the events of our times down to the year, month, and day of their occurring?
Could a mysterious phenomenon be manifesting on the world stage on an exact timetable determined from ancient times?
Could these manifestations have altered-and now be altering-the course of world events?
Jonathan Cahn takes the listener on a journey to find the man called the Oracle. One by one each of the Jubilean mysteries will be revealed through the giving of a vision. The Oracle will uncover the mysteries of The Stranger, The Lost City, The Man with the Measuring Line, The Land of Seven Wells, The Birds, The Number of the End, The Man in the Black Robe, The Prophet's Song, The Matrix of Years, The Day of the Lions, The Awakening of the Dragon, and much more.
The listener will discover the ancient scrolls that contain the appointed words that have determined the course of world history from the onset of modern times up to our day. The revelation is so big that it will involve and open up the mysteries of everything and everyone from Mark Twain to Moses, from King Nebuchadnezzar to Donald Trump, from the fall of empires to the rise of America, from a mystery hidden in a desert cave to another in an ancient scroll, from the palace of the Persian Empire to the US Senate, from the Summer of Love to the Code of Babylon, and much, much more.
Ultimately the Oracle will reveal the secret that lies behind end-time prophecy and the mystery of the end of the age.
As with The Harbinger and The Book of Mysteries, Cahn reveals the mysteries through a narrative. A traveler is given seven keys; each will open up one of seven doors. Behind each door lies a stream of mysteries. The reader will be taken on a journey of angels and prophetic revelations waiting to be discovered behind each of the seven doors - the ancient secrets that lie behind the world-changing events of modern times - and revelations of what is yet to come.
Hailed as a mind-blowing masterpiece, The Oracle will reveal mysteries that are absolutely real, amazing, stunning, mind-blowing, and life-changing.
Prepare to be blown away.
©2019 Jonathan Cahn (P)2019 Frontline

Review:
Jonathan has researched and gathered some absolutely amazing facts that tie the Jubilean mysteries together. He makes the extensive presentation through a story narrative of a man with visions who seeks an Oracle to help explain the meaning of the visions. The ‘traveler’ envisions seven doors and seven keys each with secrets that connect history (and His Story) to events in the 1800s, 1900s and all the way to modern years and anticipated future events.

My husband listened to the first portion with me, then I finished without him. (He is listening with the print book and taking a longer time.) While listening together we would share in comments like “Wow!”, “Amazing!” and “Remarkable!” These reactions continued for my listening through the end.

One example of details revealed is a surprising visit to Israel in 1867 by the American journalist Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). He shared his reactions in his book The Innocents Abroad, published two years later. The place described in the Bible as once so lush appeared to him to be barren and dispiriting. He describes the land of Israel as “ ...[a] desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds-a silent mournful expanse....A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action....We never saw a human being on the whole route....There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of the worthless soil, had almost deserted the country.”

Look at that quote in light of Deuteronomy 29:22-23:

22 Your children who follow you in later generations and foreigners who come from distant lands will see the calamities that have fallen on the land and the diseases with which the Lord has afflicted it. 23 The whole land will be a burning waste of salt and sulfur—nothing planted, nothing sprouting, no vegetation growing on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboyim, which the Lord overthrew in fierce anger. [Empahsis added.]

Author Cahn reveals in The Oracle the significance of 1867 as a Jubilee year; then 1917, 1967 and 2017. All of it is just wonderful. I enjoyed even the future projections and the little twist at the end of the book. The book shares a long view of God's plan as set forth in His Word, the Bible, and reveals how God works to accomplish His promises and plans. I highly recommend this to all Christ-followers and to seekers! I hope every reader will be awed and find their lives changed by this material.

Audio Notes: Michael Beck does a wonderful job with the narration. It is not an action story but there is excitement and Beck manages to convey that. He also provides distinct voices for the handful of characters. I was fine with listening but I am glad we have a print copy to look at too.

Source: 2019 November Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post January 12, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 13, 2020

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.

Hubby is still in hospital after emergency surgery on Thursday to seal his leaking aorta stents. Apparently an urgent situation.
I am hoping he will come home Monday or Tuesday this week. The dogs and I miss him.

Here is a Christmas Holiday picture of the twins helpling their Mom make noodles.

The lady bug outfit is a handmade gift I bought from one of my lady friends.

Our temperatures have warmed up nicely - 60s and 70s. Unfortunately, we have started a week of rain so I am being careful in the hour drives to and from the hospital.

I enjoyed most of my reading and listening this past week. I finished three ebooks and one audiobook. I posted three reviews, some year-end summaries, and my usual memes.

I only visited 15 blogs last week - I need to branch out and pick up the pace!
Shout Out this week to Taylor Fenner's Bookish World. When Taylor's "not busy writing you can find her reading and reviewing YA, NA, & Adult novels, adding to her extensive book collection, taking photographs, cooking as often as possible, and fighting with her cross-eyed cat, Tiger."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 5, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 6, 2020.

• MBS December 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Nothing to Fear by Juno Rushdan; Genre: Action Adventure, Romantic Suspense, Terrorism Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Book Review: Audible Book Review: The Green Ember by S. D. Smith; Genre: Children's Fantasy, Christian Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• 2019 Reading Summary and Top Picks.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 10, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/16/2020.

• NG2019-First Book #NetGalley Book Review: The Possibility of America by David Dark; Genre: Religious Studies, Social Issues; My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0..

• Sharing Beyond Books #386 Comment Giveaway January 11, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 1/25/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Possibility of America
How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed,
God-Forsaken Land
by David Dark
This wasn't what I was looking for so I was disappointed.
I chose this as my First Book for 2020.
SOURCE: 2019 NetGalley.
See Review linked above.

2. Audio/Smartphone in Car (A2019)

The Oracle
The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Michael Beck
Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-07-19
This is really remarkable! I wish this had been my First Book.
Source: 2019 November Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (eB2019)

An Endless Christmas: A Novella
by Cynthia Ruchti
This is lovely.
(Ladies Book Club postponed a week.)
Source: Print books from Christianbooks.com; ebook from Amazon $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Someone to Honor
by Mary Balogh
I found this delightful! (Read in two days!)
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
First appearances deceive in the newest charming and heartwarming Regency romance in the Westcott series from beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.
Abigail Westcott's dreams for her future were lost when her father died and she discovered her parents were not legally married. But now, six years later, she enjoys the independence a life without expectation provides a wealthy single woman. Indeed, she's grown confident enough to scold the careless servant chopping wood outside without his shirt on in the proximity of ladies.
But the man is not a servant. He is Gilbert Bennington, the lieutenant colonel and superior officer who has escorted her wounded brother, Harry, home from the wars with Napoleon. Gil has come to help his friend and junior officer recover, and he doesn't take lightly to being condescended to--secretly because of his own humble beginnings.
If at first Gil and Abigail seem to embody what the other most despises, each will soon discover how wrong first impressions can be. For behind the appearances of the once-grand lady and the once-humble man are two people who share an understanding of what true honor means, and how only with it can one find love.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Mission Pack 1: Black Ocean Mission Pack, Missions 1-4
By: J.S. Morin
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Black Ocean, Book 1-4
Length: 20 hrs and 50 mins
I am into Book 3 since I've had extra driving time each day.
Source: April 2017 $1.99 Audible Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
 

Deep State
by Chris Hauty
I'm ready for a thriller and new to me author. (And working on my NetGalley titles!)
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Recently elected President Richard Monroe—populist, controversial, and divisive—is at the center of an increasingly polarized Washington, DC. Never has the partisan drama been so tense or the paranoia so rampant. In the midst of contentious political turf wars, the White House chief of staff is found dead in his house. A tenacious intern discovers a single, ominous clue that suggests he died from something other than natural causes, and that a wide-ranging conspiracy is running beneath the surface of everyday events: powerful government figures are scheming to undermine the rule of law—and democracy itself. Allies are exposed as enemies, once-dependable authorities fall under suspicion, and no one seems to be who they say they are. The unthinkable is happening. The Deep State is real. Who will die to keep its secrets and who will kill to uncover the truth?

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Southlands
Lee Harden, Book 2
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 05-28-19
I am going to try alternating new author listens and continuing series.
Source: December 2019 Audible Sale $5.98.
Publisher's Summary
After being sequestered to a bunker to recover from his wounds, Lee Harden is finally going topside with his fellow Project Hometown Coordinator, Terrence "Tex" Lehy. Lee wants to ally the UES with Texas, in order to combat the threat of a powerful oil cartel to the south. But Tex's methods raise serious questions, and Lee quickly discovers that Texas has its own set of problems.
In the Fort Bragg Safe Zone, the conflict with the Lincolnists is rapidly escalating. Master Sergeant Carl Gilliard has just returned, and he’s intent on destroying the Lincolnists, using whatever means are necessary.
Angela is caught in the middle, unable to reconcile her sense of civil morality with her desire for justice. One thing remains certain: before there is peace, there will be blood.
©2019 D.J. Molles (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

January 12, 2020 - I have started another year of devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I am on day 10 reading a 15-day plan New Year, New Mercies to start the New Year!

I completed four books and posted three reviews. I am current on reviews.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 21, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which are now planned for 2020.
(I now have 21 toward Alphabet letters.)
I have two author titles carried 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 three NetGalley review titles.
I have two new free audios. I chose one free Audible but haven't chosen any others yet. I also have to pick out December credit titles this week.
I added only 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

NetGalley selections (I was working on filling my alphabet goal with NetGalley titles):
Three more titles requested 2019 but received 2020.
(I was going for "K" and got two. :-))


The K Team
by David Rosenfelt
I enjoy the Andy Carpenter series and am pleased to try this spin-off.
Releasing March 24, 2020


Kit and Elizabeth
by Karen Tuft
This sounds like a Regency romance I will like.





Vanishing Girls: A totally heart-stopping crime thriller (Detective Josie Quinn Book 1)
by Lisa Regan
A "V" titled thriller that sounds good.

Won

NONE

Purchased

1/12/2020 Audible Daily Deal $4.95. (I was resisting DDs until now!)
A Fire Sparkling
By: Julianne MacLean
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor, Sarah Zimmerman
Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 08-01-19

Free

1/11/2020 One of Two Free January Audible Originals
Junkyard Cats
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-02-20
Language: English

1/11/2020 Free Member download at ChristianAudio.com
Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age
Author Tony Reinke
Narrator Tony Reinke
Runtime 3.33 Hrs. - Unabridged


I added only 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 January 12, 2020

I was glad to attend Sunday School where our usual teacher has returned. He explained that he has been overwhelmed with work as a leading contractor in our area and during this past year of restoration. He took a break from his teaching duties which was a loss for us, his students. However, he recently realized that he was the one losing in the relationship of study and sharing God’s word. He discovered that he needed to stay plugged in and God has given him a clear call to return to his sharing Sunday School. We are all glad.

His lesson this morning continued the one I missed last week but that is included by summary. He asked the class: “Why did God create man?” Answers included: “For companionship.” “To worship Him.” “Because He could.” The teacher proposed that God created man for His pleasure and to rule (have dominion over earth. This is supported by Genesis 1:28; Revelation 22:1-5 and Revelation 2:24-26.

Man was God's agent on earth but for the machinations of Satan. Satan used the serpent to create doubt in Eve which she conveyed to Adam. Sin changed their view. Disobedience led to loss of dominion. Man had to work and struggle with his wife.

Why did Satan tempt Eve? To separate Adam and Eve from God; for revenge; out of jealousy. What Satan accomplished was to rob man of his relationship with God and rob man of his position of dominion over the earth. Satan gained control over earth because man gave up control.
Genesis 12:13-17. Matthew 12:43-45. John 12:31; 14:30. Ephesians 2:2-3. Job 1:6-7. The “Esau syndrome” shows man trading away God's gift for a short term gain. Genesis 25:29-34.

We must remember though that God has the ultimate control and say so. Job 1:8-12. The Holy Spirit helps us fight against the evil of Satan. 1 Peter 5:8. This is why we pray for God to intervene in earthly concerns.

I chose one wonderful song but another reached out to me for today.

Verses for Today:
Job 7:17-18 (NIV)
17 “What is mankind that you make so much of them,
that you give them so much attention,
18 that you examine them every morning
and test them every moment?

My prayer today: I trust God to be with my husband in hospital and to be with me for peace and strength. I know He is sovereign, ultimately in control!

Sharing Beyond Books #386 Comment Giveaway January 11, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB, in 2020.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Six commenters are comfortable making no change in their life. Eight did mention some changes although nothing really major (except for Linda wanting more hours in the day). Two would like less stress, and three would like more sleep/rest.

The Winner from SBB #385 comments is: #2 ALINA 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 #386

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: Do you follow Bloglovin or On the Fence??

I am on Bloglovin although I don't follow or use it regularly. I have never heard of On the Fence.

Image found at CentralCommunications.

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. Marjorie asks: Do you follow Bloglovin or On the Fence??

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, January 25, 2020, at 5 PM central.