Audible Book Review: Unleashed, Andy Carpenter, Book 11, by David Rosenfelt

This is a fun series I like to revisit regularly.
Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-23-13
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Legal Procedures, Mystery, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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.

Review:
Andy continues in his usual lackadaisical lifestyle. He is wealthy enough that he doesn’t need to work … which is just fine with him. His wizard accounting friend, Sam, contacts Andy to ask his help for another friend, Barry. Sam is on his way to meet with Barry but gets delayed when he hits a dog. Sam stops to care for the injured animal which turns out to be fortunate as Barry’s private airplane, where Sam was to join him, crashes.

Sam, who has adopted the injured golden retriever, presses Andy to represent Barry’s wife when she gets accused of murder. Andy reluctantly agrees to the case because it means his love, Laurie, a former cop, will stay in town to help with the investigation. The team gathers: Laurie, Sam and his geriatric group of computer hackers, Hike, a cynical attorney who works with Andy, and Marcus, Andy’s massive bodyguard. The investigation sends Andy and Marcus to Maine for the first lead. They have a short meeting with their contact but before the next morning, the man and his friends are found dead. The team soon realize that Barry was involved in something more serious than some accounting problems. Soon the trouble comes hunting for Sam and Andy as they have to dodge bullets and then Barry’s wife fingers Sam for the murder.

There is a certain formula to the Andy Carpenter mysteries. Dogs play a part and before the mystery is solved, Andy and Laurie call in the FBI through their friend Cindy. I still enjoy the journey with the convoluted plots and the snarky characters. Each story can be read alone but I do think they are more fun if you read the early ones to learn the personalities of the characters.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does his usual solid delivery for this series. He delivers the snark with a dry sense of humor that adds to the story for me. I totally enjoy listening to this series.

Source: November 2019 Audible Purchase $10.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers by Meaghann Weaver, Lori Wiener

This is beautifully touching.

The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers
by Meaghann Weaver, Lori Wiener

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Lexile Measure: 600 (What's this?)
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Magination Press; 1 edition (February 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143383023X
Genre: Children, Death and Dying, Illness
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.

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.

Review:
Gerbert is born into a loving family and flock. Sadly, as his siblings grow bigger and stronger, it is clear that something is wrong with Gerbert. He remains small and weaker. Although he has a bright, strong personality, his body continues to weaken. His parents help him with migration and his father even shares the experience of leading the flock for a short time.

When the time for the next migration comes, it is clear that Gerbert will not be able to join them physically. He finds a special way to leave a blessing for all of his family and friends so that he can be with them always in memory especially as they remember him and his special gifts.

This book opens with a page explaining to parents that it may be used to help young children who are suffering from a terminal illness and help children who are experiencing terminal illness in another family member or special friend. It is more directed toward child death but could be helpful facing the loss of any loved one.

I appreciated the brave, cheerful character of Gerbert. The story is straightforward and easy to share or be read by a mature young reader. The story does tend to bring one close to tears so I imagine it would be best for an adult to be present with a younger reader to help share the burdens of fear and sadness. The illustrations are soft and beautiful.

This provides a very graceful approach toward facing death and loss. Even if a family is not facing a death within its circle, this story would promote empathy for others in that circumstance. I recommend this as a beautiful story to share.

Source: NetGalley 2019-20 (Selected in December but received 2020.) This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 21, 2020

Happy Friday! 
Is anyone celebrating Card Reading Day? The day is a chance for sentimental people to get their saved cards out for reading them. I do save cards so I could celebrate. :-)
I think I'll work on pulling together a new group of books this week.

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 February 14, 2020 Pick. There was No automatic win again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from February 14, 2020 Pick:
MYSTICA gets a GC
and
ASHFA 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.}

Hmmm - which is better? Chocolate or books?
Image shared by Mrs. Lodges Library Pinterest.

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

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


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

SINGLES:
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze

Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
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.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
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.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
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
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

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
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)
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
Too 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 1,300+ 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 faraway 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: Hometown Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 1 by Sara Richardson

This is a nice, sweet and sexy romance.
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
Genre: Romance, Small Town Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH A COWBOY
Jessa Mae Love is done with relationships. No matter how tempting he might be, she cannot--will not--fall for a man like Lance Cortez. The outrageously handsome cowboy is practically a living legend in Colorado, as famous for riding bulls as he is for breaking hearts. What would a big-time rodeo star like him see in a small-town veterinarian who wears glasses, rescues animals, and cries when watching rom-coms? Turns out, plenty.
Raising bulls, riding the circuit, and looking after his ailing father--Lance never stands still for long. Yet Jessa catches his attention, and the more she tries to resist him, the more he wants her. When she agrees to move to the ranch to keep an eye on Lance's dad, Jessa tells him they have to keep it professional: no flirting, no sweet talk, and definitely no kissing. But with Jessa now living under his roof, that's easier said than done . . .

Review:
Jessa Mae may be a diehard romantic, but she has decided she is done with relationships since her latest boyfriend just dumped her by text. Jessa is a veterinarian who returned to town after her father died unexpectedly. Now she is struggling to maintain the animal rescue shelter she sees as her father’s legacy. One of her best volunteers at the shelter is her father’s best friend, Luis Cortez. Luis has three sons and is quick to suggest that Jessa should look to one of them as a new beau. Jessa doesn’t think these are likely candidates. The eldest, Lance, followed his father into the bull riding rodeo ring and has had plenty of time on the road. The middle son, Lucas, doesn’t get talked about much after ending up in prison late in his teen years. Finally, the youngest, Levi, left town after high school and has his own reputation with the women.

Luis is in his late 60s and was with Jessa’s father when he died from a heart attack as they were hiking the mountains on the Cortez ranch. It isn’t surprising that Luis and Jessa have a close relationship and Jessa tends to join him when he goes hiking as she doesn’t want him to be alone. Lately, Jessa is observing some signs of illness that cause her concern. Lance asks Jessa to move into the main house to help watch over Luis while Lance concentrates on his training for the upcoming World Rodeo Championships. Jessa is reluctant to spend time near Lance fearing she will become enamored of him. She knows he isn’t HEA material.

Lance has never planned to settle down with a wife and family. His mother walked away when he was young, and he has a tainted view of women. Yet, he sees something special in Jessa. Every time she tries to stay away from him, he wants her closer. And the day comes when their explosive chemistry gets the better of them. But then tensions among Lance and his brothers cause distance between Lance and Jessa. Then he learns that she has kept a secret and his bitter anger sends her packing. Is there any chance these two can recognize how much they need, and want, each other?

I quickly liked these two different characters: gentle, romantic Jessa, and rough, independent Lance. Their flirtation may be reluctant, but it eventually sizzles. Sara Richardson does a nice job developing the characters and the past events that explain the conflicts and tensions and the struggles they have to overcome if they want to come together. The plot includes illness issues and an interesting look at the tenacity required for bull riding. There is a bit of language but it goes by quickly. I recommend this fun, engaging story to romance readers who enjoy a mix of sweet and sexy.

Audio Notes: Laurie Winkel does a very nice job with the narration. She supplies good energy to the story making it an easy, enjoyable listen.

Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

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

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.