Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Audible Book Review: The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn

Wow - This is more striking than even I expected!
All of us in the Ladies Book Club were rather stunned by this book.


The Paradigm
The Ancient Blueprint That Holds the Mystery of Our Times
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Paul Michael
The Paradigm audiobook cover art
Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-06-17
Language: English
Publisher: christianaudio.com
Genre: Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.


Publisher's Summary
This may be the most explosive and amazing thing you've ever read
Is it possible that an ancient blueprint holds the secret behind the events of our times?
Could this blueprint lie behind the rise and fall of leaders and governments?
Could events that took place nearly 3,000 years ago now be determining the course of our world and with it the course of our lives?
Could ancient figures from the Middle East hold the key to the leaders of our own day, what they do, when they rise, and when they fall?
Is it possible that this ancient paradigm has determined not only the events of modern times but also their timing - even down to the exact days and dates?
Could a mystery from the ancient Middle East have foretold the outcomes of current events more accurately than any poll or expert - even the outcomes of presidential elections?
Has this mystery even touched the events of your life?
Does the paradigm reveal what will take place in the future?
And does it contain a warning critical for every person in this generation?
Prepare to be stunned, shocked, illuminated, and amazed. The Paradigm will reveal secrets and mysteries taking place all around you and show you what you never could have imagined. Jonathan Cahn, who caused an international stir with his New York Times best-selling book The Harbinger, will take you from the ancient Middle East to the news of the modern world on a journey you will never forget. As you open up The Paradigm, his most explosive book yet, you may never see your world the same way again.
©2017 eChristian (P)


Review:
Paradigm means: “a typical example or pattern of something; a model.” Jonathan Cahn starts with a Biblical Old Testament time (1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 10) when Israel was slipping into decadence, turning its back on Godly principles. The king of Israel at the time, Ahab, was raised knowing God but he married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who was raised in a culture worshipping Goddesses and Baal. She was a strong influence bringing the religion of Baal, including child sacrifice, to Israel. Queen Jezebel is seen to epitomize an evil, wicked queen. Even after Ahab was killed, Jezebel continued in the palace, first during the short reign of Ahaziah and then with “the heir”, Joram. Joram continued the slide of the nation away from God. Joram's reign would have brought God’s judgment to the nation sooner but for a “warrior”, Jeru. Jeru was not necessarily a Godly man, and was sometimes viewed as ‘crazy’, but God used him to exterminate the house of Ahab for the sins they brought to the nation. This brought a reprieve to Israel although ultimately the nation refused to return to God and punishment eventually came when the people were taken into captivity.

Cahn presents a parallel that aligns the events of Ahab, Jezebel, Joram and Jeru with certain modern-day political leaders (a 'king', a 'queen', an heir and a warrior) in America. It is remarkable in matching the number of years, similar events and personal characteristics, even like-meaning names. Since the 1960s, our country, like Israel at the time of Ahab, has been turning away and removing God from our personal and national lives. Sexual wantonness, sacrificing of children (taking of innocent lives), and challenging of Biblical morals was increasing in our country, even to the point of declaring fundamental Christians to be terrorists.

I think some people would refuse to read this if they knew the characters involved but that is very sad. The bottom line, last chapters of the book, contains a warning to the nation, but more importantly a warning to each individual. If God is real (and it is hard to deny when you see all the God-incidences -not coincidences- revealed by this and other works by Cahn) then we need to be about upholding God’s righteousness and sharing His message.

Before listening to this book, I had heard a little about it from some friends at church but I had no idea of the extent of the parallels until listening for myself. I have found all five books by Cahn to be remarkable and wonderful reading. This is the third of the books shared with Ladies Book Club. Although I am sure Cahn is a skilled scholar, my friends in Ladies Book Club and I believe that Cahn has received Godly inspiration for his books. One friend noted that Cahn is an Elijah today. I highly recommend this book and all of Cahn’s books to Christ-followers and I wish all people would read them.

Audio Notes: For the most part Paul Michael does a good job with the narration. He did mispronounce several of the Jewish/Hebrew terms and names which was a little distracting. Beyond those errors, I liked the awe and excitement that comes through Michael’s narrating. I enjoyed the audio version but want to get a print copy for future reference.

2/1/2020 Audible Credit Purchased for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Sunday Post February 16, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 17, 2020

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.

Hubby is improving except for headaches.
I had a very busy week traveling two days to cover hearings and a third day locally.

These are specially decorated strawberries a friend made and I took home to hubby. He had the 12th before I took the picture.
I shared them on Saturday with Ladies Book Club. Yum! :-)
We had ups and downs again in temperatures and we had rain several days. Today was 53-54 most of the day but chill cold due to rain.
I had a good week of reading and listening. I finished two audiobooks, one ebook cozy and one picture book. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to We Are Bookish. This is a blog by NetGalley. The link goes to a fun article about Valentines for bookworms.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen; Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
  • NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath; Genre: Educational, Illustrated, Middle Grade, Picture Book; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Black Crow, White Snow by Michael Livingston; Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.25.
  • NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Winter Takes All by ML Erdahl; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Humorous, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
48124542. sy475


Winter Takes All
by ML Erdahl
This is an easy, fun cozy mystery.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
My review is linked above..



2. Audible/Smartphone (A2020 for LBC)
The Paradigm audiobook cover art


The Paradigm
The Ancient Blueprint That Holds the Mystery of Our Times
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Paul Michael
Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 11-06-17
Wow - This is more striking than even I expected!
All of us in Ladies Book Club were rather stunned by this book.
Source: 2/1/2020 Audible Credit Purchased for Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.



3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
Hometown Cowboy, Sara Richardson


Hometown Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 1
Written By: Sara Richardson
Narrated By: Laurie Winkel
Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
Date: January 2018
Duration: 9 hours 22 minutes
This is a nice, sweet and sexy romance.
Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.



4. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
42875267. sx318


The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers
by Meaghann Weaver, Lori Wiener
Releasing 04 Feb 2020
This is beautifully touching.
Source: NetGalley 2019-20 (Selected in December but received 2020.)
Gerbert the gosling is strong and brave and has fun times with his family and friends but knows that, one day soon, he won’t be able to keep up with them anymore. As Gerbert prepares for his final migration, he finds a way to show his flock that he will always be with them. Includes a one-page Note to Readers and an online Note with additional information useful for parents, caregivers, grandparents, siblings, and teachers.



Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
50842315. sx318 sy475


Reimagining Mr. Right
by Wynter Daniels
This is a fun romance with a touch of magic.
I am at 85%.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Unleashed audiobook cover art


Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 07-23-13
This is a fun series I like to revisit regularly. 
Source: November 2019 Audible Purchase $10.99
Publisher's Summary
Audie Award Winner, Mystery, 2014
Andy Carpenter's accountant, Sam Willis, receives a surprise call from Barry Price, a friend he hasn't spoken to in years. Barry needs Sam's financial acumen and Andy's legal expertise. But when Sam almost runs over an injured dog on the way to Barry's house, he can't drive off without waiting for help. By then, Barry's taken off on a private airplane headed to who-knows-where. Soon after they learn that Barry's plane has crashed, and they come to the terrifying realization that Sam was also supposed to have been killed on that plane. Barry was in far more serious trouble than either of them knew, and for Sam and Andy, the trouble is only beginning.
©2013 Tara Productions, Inc. (P)2013 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.



3. eBook/Kindle (AuthorTBR)
48479490. sy475


Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four
by Josh Venkataraman and Barbara Venkataraman
This interests me as an Attorney.
Source: December 2019 received from the Authors.
This book will take you through my incredible four year quest for justice for The Groveland Four and teach you how to pursue your own causes, whatever they may be. It is a primer for positive action, a journey through Florida's past as well as its future. Some of the things you will learn: everything takes more time than you think, nothing ever goes according to plan, help can come from unexpected places, time is on your side, everyone is connected to everyone else, you can reach your tipping point for success and not even realize it, your goals can change along the way, and flexibility is key. Let's get started, shall we?
***Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to establish "The Charles Greenlee Memorial Scholarship" to benefit a child with an incarcerated parent.


I hope I'll get to start another audio and ebook but we'll pick when I get there.

I'm going to keep track of my Alphabet here. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO: A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

February 15, 2020 - I am again enjoying the 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 19 of a 21-day plan: Rooted. I am enjoying this study.


I completed four books and posted three reviews which keeps me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is at 17 (I must have miscounted last week), plus the four titles from 2012-13 which are now planned for 2020.
(I have 22 NetGalley titles toward Alphabet letters.)
I have one author title left from 2019. And one new audio.
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 one new audio for review.

I picked up a  one free Audible and two for one Credit sale at Audible with my second January credit.
I added 16 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
2/13/2020 Author Code for Audible review title:
Actualized audiobook cover artActualized
The Configured Trilogy, Book 3
By: Jenetta Penner
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 12-17-19

Won
NONE

Purchased
2/15/2020 Two for One Credit Sale at Audible:
Cast Under an Alien Sun audiobook cover artCast Under an Alien Sun
Destiny's Crucible, Book 1
By: Olan Thorensen
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 05-30-17
This has been on my Wish list.

Beautiful audiobook cover artBeautiful
By: Juliet Marillier
Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 05-30-19
I like this author for fantasy.

Free
2/10/2020 Extra Free Audible Original.
Break Shot: My First 21 Years audiobook cover art
Break Shot: My First 21 Years
An Audio Memoir
By: James Taylor
Narrated by: James Taylor
Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
Release date: 01-31-20
Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit reminded me this was available as extra book.

I added 16 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 February 16, 2020

Our Sunday School teacher (GT) continued his lesson series on “Why did God create man?” Today’s lesson was titled “What in the World is Going On?” GT said that earlier in the week he was thinking on the lines of “What in the Heaven’s is Going On?” but he realized that was not the correct focus.

Matthew 4:1-11 tells how Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. GT at first thought Jesus, being God, wouldn’t be tempted. Then he rethought how Jesus was now man and although he was spiritually strengthened by his fasting and prayer, he would have been physically weak. Also, GT realized that Satan did have the authority to offer temptations to Jesus. From the beginning, Satan has always been seeking to separate man from God.

God created man for His purposes and set him to rule over the earth. Man gave away that authority. 1600 years passed from the time of Adam and Eve being cast out of Eden to the days of Noah. God looked down and saw only wicked people other than Noah. He started over after the flood but he started again with flawed man. In less than 500 years, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Even though God set aside the nation of Israel as a new people, His special people, they still did not live up to the righteousness of God.

God gave the law through Moses but man still couldn't live up to them. Man couldn't be restored until Jesus. Restoration of the original relationship doesn't occur until Jesus returns and brings in the new Jerusalem. When the end comes, Jesus will put all enemies under his feet and then all, including Jesus, will be subjected to the authority of God – as it was at creation. 1 Corinthians 15:22-28.

Jesus felt the stresses of a man. When he said “…the Spirit is willing, but the body is weak” he was speaking of himself as well as the disciples. Matthew 26:40-41. When Jesus was tempted by Satan there may have been a temptation to bypass Calvary and take the kingdoms then. An example of doing the right thing at the wrong time.

Now we live in an anti-God world. Jesus taught His disciples and us how to pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Matthew 6:10.

2 Peter Chapter 3 tells of the final days. He begins stating he is writing to ‘stir up wholesome thinking’ and ‘refresh your memory’. V1-2. He notes that the future destruction is being reserved for fire. Further, that the Lord isn’t slow, He is patient, waiting for all to come to repentance. V9.
Finally, Peter warns us to “be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:17-18.

This song works for the message today.
Verses for Today:
2 Peter 3:10-13
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Lord, I give thanks that you have made the sacrifice for my future. I thnk you for your patience and grace!




Saturday, February 15, 2020

#NetGalley Book Review: Winter Takes All by ML Erdahl

This is a fun cozy – even in a cold setting.
Winter Takes All
by ML Erdahl
48124542. sy475
File Size: 2504 KB
Print Length: 202 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (October 23, 2019)
ASIN: B07XCGWDRX
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Humorous, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.


Crystal Rainey is aghast when she realizes her new year's resolutions haven't changed one whit from the previous year. Wanting to escape a future as dreary as a Pacific Northwest winter, she walks out on her dead-end office job, despite her tenuous savings account.
Stumbling across a job opening posted by a wilderness guide outfit, an intrigued Crystal bluffs her way into the position. With handsome fellow guide, the stalwart Conner Oakes, she leads a corporate retreat on a snowshoe hike to a majestic alpine chalet.
But when the company's detestable owner turns up dead in the snow, she fears her new life and budding romance slipping away. She finally has something worth fighting for and is determined to solve the murder and grab her chance at happiness before it's too late.


Review:
Crystal is already thinking about changing her life when her unpleasant supervisor scolds her for being five minutes late after walking through the rain. On a sudden impulse, Crystal decides to quit her dead-end clerical job. But she can’t be out of work long as she has bills to pay. She stumbles onto an advertisement for a wilderness guide. After bluffing her way to getting hired she needs to pick up snowshoes and learn how to use them.

When she arrives for her first outing, she is pleasantly surprised to meet her handsome fellow guide, Conner. Together they lead a corporate group on a hike up the mountain to a beautiful chalet. Crystal is pleased things seem to be going well, even the friendship with Conner, until late a night the guests get into a fight. The next morning the company owner turns up dead and the wilderness outfit has to shut down guide activities until the murder can be solved.

Crystal isn’t impressed by the young detective, so she sets out to interview all of the company employees herself. She tries to make it casual and gets through a couple before one of the employees begins to suspect she is sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong. Crystal continues to press on but will she press too hard and get caught up by the murderer?

I was pulled into the story right away by Crystal’s light character. Crystal is a fun, kind character and it is easy to root for her to make good on her new job. Of course, the reader can also see that Crystal is pushing herself into trouble. Conner is a nice romantic possibility who adds side interest to the mystery.

This is an easy read cozy mystery which I really enjoyed. I was pleasantly surprised myself to realize the author is a male. Nice job! I would like to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of humorous cozy mystery.

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

Friday, February 14, 2020

Audible Book Review: Black Crow, White Snow by Michael Livingston

This is a short, female-powered survival story.
Black Crow, White Snow
by Michael Livingston
Narrated by: Janina Edwards

Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 05-02-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.25.


About This Audible Original
In a world where women hold all the power and men have barely been an afterthought, an intrepid shipmistress must put aside everything she knows if she is to save her people.
Bela is at the helm of the Sandcrow, a ship sent from calm seas to the far frozen north in search of a legendary power that could turn the tide of war. Locked into ice, the Sandcrow is lost. Now, for the shipmistress and her crew, a desperate voyage becomes a chilling struggle for survival against nature, fear, and prejudice.
If Bela can lead them to their ultimate destination, will the magic they find be their redemption—or their destruction?
©2019 Michael D. Livingston (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.



Review:
Bela is the Mistress of the Sandcrow, a ship with a primarily female crew who have been sent to the frozen icefields of the north. The society of the crew is matriarchal with a class system that respects earned skills. It is also a world with an ugly disdain for men.

The crew is determined to find a legendary power that could bring hope to their people in a fight against enemies with skyships. Included in the crew are a magician and one male, a young man trained as a Reader. Reading and storytelling are necessary but held in low regard compared to warriors and sailors.

The crew fights through one tragedy after another after the ship is trapped in the ice. Those who survive the vicious attack of a huge white bear must abandon the ship and decide whether to go back or forward. Mistress Bela, now an injured warrior leader, is intent on completing the mission but not everyone agrees. Along with her female partner, Bela finds a surprising ally in the young Reader. As their trek takes them to more danger, but closer to their goal, Bela struggles just to keep everyone alive.

I found the characters interesting although I felt the demeaning treatment of the male (and attitude towards men) was abhorrent. The settings and fight for survival are vividly described. I did find myself rooting for the success of the battered survivors. I was glad Bela’s character wasn’t as prejudiced as some of the others and I appreciated her willingness to allow other perspectives.

The story is short and perhaps sets up as an introduction of warring peoples. I liked the first-person voice and I felt this short work was sufficient to get a feel for the creativity and valid storytelling skills of the author. I rarely read stories with gay or lesbian characters. This story does have some (not graphic) lesbian love scenes but focuses more on the matriarchal society issues. I recommend this to readers who like survival adventures.

Audio Notes: Janina Edwards delivers this story with a wonderfully exotic (West Indian) accent. It took a few minutes to get accustomed to the voice and the writing style, but they soon fit for me. I enjoyed the audio entertainment.

Source: 5/17/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020 Alphabet goals.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails