Audible Book Review: Piles of Bones by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a nice, quick introduction to the young mystic, Suri, who is a character in the larger series.
Pile of Bones - FREE
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Series: Legends of the First Empire, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-07-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
In this Legends of the First Empire prequel, we witness the events that helped shape the woman who would one day become Suri the Mystic, the first Rhune Artist, and a hero to a generation.
©2020 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The author introduces this short work as a piece to introduce one of the important characters in the Legends of First Empire. Here we meet Suri, a young mystic, and her ‘sister’ wolf, Minna. Suri is being mentored by Tura to become a mystic. Suri has begun to develop a close relationship with nature, the animals, the trees, the wind, and the water. She tries to listen to her friends to stay safe, but sometimes she has to learn through her own errors and curiosity.

One day Suri notes a tree branch has fallen near the waterfall, exposing a tunnel. She is excited thinking the tunnel will take her to a special hidden world. Minna doesn’t want to go in but Suri insists. Once down the tunnel, Suri has to puzzle how to open a hidden door. Instead of a tunnel to another world, she finds a room full of human bones. Inadvertently she and Minna end up with a bone which she takes home. She has no idea the trouble that will follow.

I enjoy Michael Sullivan’s writing as he creates a remarkable world with remarkable characters. He is an excellent storyteller weaving magic that pulls the listener in. There is a lengthy introduction to explain why Sullivan has produced several short stories in his series. This story is only half of the audio, leaving a good half-hour to pull the reader/listener into the first novel, The Age of Myth. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a strong medieval type fantasy.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds is a superb narrator. He infuses the characters with personality that helps to engage the listener. I enjoyed this quick audio experience.

Source: 1/21/2020 Free at Audible. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 3, 2020

Happy Friday!
I continue to hope and pray that you all are remaining safe and well. 

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 March 27, 2020 Pick. There were TWO 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 were no titles blocked.
CAROLL gets the Brend Joyce Pair
RUBYNREBA gets Through the Years

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from March 27, 2020 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets Open House
and
FREDAMANS 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.}

We do have a few bugs that come with spring!
Image shared on Pinterest as Classic Door Decor.

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Pairs:
Brenda Joyce: Firestorm and Innocent Fire
LaVyrle Spencer: Morning Glory and Bitter Sweet
Singles:
Open House by Elizabeth Berg (Hardback)
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Angel Creek by Linda Howard
Montana Mavericks - Big Sky Grooms Anthology
Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Tempting Fire by Carla Neggers
Suicide Club by Gayle Wilson
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere
Through the Years - Three Novels, Linda Howard, Fern Michaels and Debbie Macomber


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 1,308+ 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: Coding Capers by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic

This is a fun, informative STEM adventure.

Coding Capers
by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic
Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Series: Coding Capers
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues (November 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937870634
Genre: Children School Issues, Computers, Robots, STEM
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Join Luci and her friends as they go on an adventure to find a missing robot! In the process they learn the foundational concepts of coding, the increasing capabilities of technology, and the power of persistence.
Was it just a dream?! Luci wakes up after dreaming about robots only to learn that her teacher has a robot emergency at school! The class robot has disappeared, and the students must decipher codes to locate it, reprogram it, and return it.
We huddled together. "Hurry! Read the card!"
Go to the gym where you'll find a maze,
Up and down and then sideways,
Over and over with your group,
Not a pattern, but a ______.
This STEM-friendly tale takes children on a fun game of hide and seek that teaches coding terminology and how technology and computer science work together to create and manage so many of the things we use in our daily lives.
With a little ingenuity and a lot of perseverance, Luci and her friends follow the clues and end up with a surprise that will allow each of them to help others and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Review:
Luci and her friends get to work together as a team to solve a special treasure hunt. Their teacher has created a programable robot and one is ‘lost’ within the school. The teams must solve the clues and apply them properly. The team that gets to the robot first and solves its programming problem will each get a surprise.

This story has relatable young school children and fun rhyming clues like the example in the blurb. The blanks to fill in are all words the children have learned in their technology, computer lessons. As an adult, I was glad to be reminded of my early years of programming. The story is laid out well and reads quickly. I received the print book this week and was pleased to see that the production is glossy and inviting. The images are bright, distinct and fit the text blocks. I enjoyed the informative lesson and think it would be appropriate for young students. I look forward to sharing this with my 7 and 8-year-old granddaughters. I recommend this to encourage young children who have any interest in robots and programming.

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

Audible Book Review: The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon

This author and narrator make for stellar entertainment!
The Queen and the Cure
The Bird and the Sword Chronicles Series, Book 2: Booktrack Edition
By: Amy Harmon
Narrated by: Steve West

Series: The Bird and the Sword Chronicles, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-12-18
Language: English
Publisher: Novel Audio
Genre: Fairy-Tale, Fantasy, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.

Publisher's Summary
The Queen and the Cure: The Bird and the Sword Chronicles Series, Book 2: Booktrack Edition adds an immersive musical soundtrack to your audiobook listening experience!*
There will be a battle, and you will need to protect your heart.
Kjell of Jeru had always known who he was. He'd never envied his brother or wanted to be king. He was the bastard son of the late King Zoltev and a servant girl, and the ignominy of his birth had never bothered him. But there is more to this man than his parentage. More to this man than his blade, his size, or his skills, and all that Kjell once knew has shifted and changed. He is no longer simply Kjell of Jeru, a warrior defending the crown. Now he is a healer, one of the Gifted, and a man completely at odds with his power.
Called upon to rid the country of the last vestiges of the Volgar, Kjell stumbles upon a woman who has troubling glimpses of the future and no memory of the past. Armed with his unwanted gift and haunted by regret, Kjell becomes a reluctant savior, beset by old enemies and new expectations. With the woman by his side, Kjell embarks upon a journey where the greatest test may be finding the man she believes him to be.
*Booktrack is an immersive format that pairs traditional audiobook narration to complementary music. The tempo and rhythm of the score are in perfect harmony with the action and characters throughout the audiobook. Gently playing in the background, the music never overpowers or distracts from the narration, so listeners can enjoy every minute. When you purchase this Booktrack edition, you receive the exact narration as the traditional audiobook available, with the addition of music throughout.
©2017 Amy Harmon (P)2018 Novel Audio Inc.

Review:
Kiell of Jeru is the son of the late king and an unknown woman whose name was Cora. Kiell never wanted to be royalty and preferred being a warrior, the Captain of Guard, protecting his brother, the King of Jeru. Kiell is also one of the Gifted although he’d still rather be a warrior than a healer. Kiell sets out with his troop to find and eliminate any remaining Volgar, the birdmen who feast on human flesh.

Along the journey tracking the Volgar, Kiell comes upon a young woman lying broken on the rocks below a cliff. He chooses to heal her and as she recovers, he learns that the woman has had visions of him and the future.

Sasha has been a servant for the past four years. She does not remember her past, but she is learned which is unusual. Of more concern is the fact that Sasha sees visions and most often they signal trouble without clarity. When her mistress dies, the people of the village want to get rid of Sasha because they don’t like what she has tried to tell them. After falling from a cliff, Sasha wakes from pain to see a face she has known in her dreams and visions. She is afraid that Kiell won’t believe her, but she is quickly able to convince him that she is a Gifted sear.

Sasha commits herself to stay with Kiell in spite of his efforts to leave her behind. Kiell once loved a woman who used and betray him. He no longer does love and isn’t too quick to give compassion. Sasha pushes him to find his suppressed emotions.

Sasha announces that she ‘belongs’ to him and doesn’t give up until Kiell acknowledges the he ‘belongs’ to her. Then a stranger steps up to reveal Sasha’s true identity and help her remember her past. Now Kiell has to step away or guard her as he returns her to another kingdom, to lands that may still contain the remnants of the Volgar. Meanwhile, an old, ambitious and dark enemy is stalking Kiell. Kiell has to fight to survive external enemies even as he has to struggle to keep his heart from breaking.

I had forgotten how lyrical this author is. I was engaged from the moment the story started. The characters are complex with hidden feelings and emotions that are drawn out during their journey. There is intrigue, danger, and wonderful romantic conflict. My heart yearned for this couple to accept their love and find a way to be together. This is a story where I was glued to finish but reluctant to be done. I will be looking for other books by Amy Harmon. Although this book could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book one, The Bird and the Sword, first which introduces most of the characters and gives important background to the world they live in.

Audio Notes: Steve West is a perfect match for the lyrical writing and emotion. He smoothly provides distinct voices and nails the emotional depths. I will be looking for other books narrated by West as I totally enjoyed his presentation. The audio production has soft background sounds such has horses neighing and turmoil during battle. These enhanced the listening experience for me.

Source: Purchased at Kindle for $.99, then Audible at $7.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post March 29, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 30, 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.

We continue with to work. One staff member gave notice before the distancing started. She was supposed to work until the end of the month but choose not to return. Apparently our services are allowed as "essential". We have had fewer contracts so we are glad to close when we can. I am getting to work on my legal files. It has been strange to drive out in the morning and find Hwy 90 with little traffic. We only have a handful of cars in the usually busy parking lot.

We are still harvesting lemons while we enjoy the wonderful smell of all the new bloosoms.

We had pretty nice weather all week.
May everyone continue to stay calm and healthy in these uncertain times.

I had another good week of listening and reading. I finished three audiobooks and one MG ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited only 16 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Whiskey With My Book. Riley states: "I like a variety of genres. All of them are fiction, but that is the only thing they have in common. On any given day, I’ll have my nose into SciFi, Historical, Fantasy, Steampunk, Paranormal or Mystery. Most often, they also have an element of romance, but not always."

BTW- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 22, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 23, 2020.

• ATBR- #Audio Book Review: Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon; Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Romance, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron; Genre: Cyberpunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 13, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/2/2020.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Archangel Rising by Evan Currie; Genre: Sci-Fi, Space Marine Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 29, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Queen and the Cure
The Bird and the Sword Chronicles Series, Book 2: Booktrack Edition
By: Amy Harmon
Narrated by: Steve West
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 06-12-18
This author and narrator make for stellar entertainment!
Source: Purchased at Kindle for $.99, then Audible at $7.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

David Ignatow: Five Poems
By: David Ignatow
Narrated by: David Ignatow
Length: 2 minutes
This presents five short poems sharing Ignatow's observations on impending death. They share a solemn poignancy.
This was one of the oldest audios in my library.
Source: 2001? Free Audible.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Pile of Bones - FREE
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
Release date: 01-07-20
I was eying book one so I listened to this fun fantasy prequel. (Then I picked up book one, Age of Myth, shown in Monday Mailbox below).
Source: 1/21/2020 Free at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
In this Legends of the First Empire prequel, we witness the events that helped shape the woman who would one day become Suri the Mystic, the first Rhune Artist, and a hero to a generation.
©2020 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

Coding Capers
by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic
Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno
(Released 21 Nov 2019)
The publisher was nice to provide me a pdf copy while I waited for the print copy I ordered. This is a fun, informative book.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

Who Rescued Who
by Victoria Schade
(Releasing 24 Mar 2020)
I am 67% in and maybe the protagonist is starting to mature into someone I can appreciate. Source: NetGalley Requested 2019 but Received 2020.
Where can you turn when the world turns against you? When Elizabeth Barnes’ life fell apart she never imagined that she’d be rescued by a new friend on four paws.
The plan was simple: Elizabeth would ignore the fact that she was unjustly fired from her dream job, fly across the pond to settle an unexpected inheritance in her father’s home country and quickly return to reclaim her position among the Silicon Valley elite.
But when Elizabeth stumbles upon an abandoned puppy, she’s shocked to realize that her brief trip to England might turn into an extended stay. Her strict itinerary is upended completely by the pup’s dogged devotion, and soon the loveable puppy helps her to connect with a tight-knit community of new friends on two legs and four, from the aunt and uncle she didn't know existed, to a grumpy coffee shop owner to two very opinionated sheep. Along the way Elizabeth is confronted by long-kept family secrets, hard truths about her former life and a new romance that might lead her to question everything she knows about love. Because sometimes rescue magic happens on both ends of the leash.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Differently Morphous
By: Yahtzee Croshaw
Narrated by: Yahtzee Croshaw
Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 03-06-18
This seems very fun.
Source: May 2018 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
A magical serial killer is on the loose, and gelatinous, otherworldly creatures are infesting the English countryside. Which is making life for the Ministry of Occultism difficult, because magic is supposed to be their best kept secret.
After centuries in the shadows, the Ministry is forced to unmask, exposing the country's magical history - and magical citizens - to a brave new world of social media, government scrutiny, and public relations.
On the trail of the killer are the Ministry's top agents: a junior operative with a photographic memory (and not much else), a couple of overgrown schoolboys with godlike powers, and a demonstrably insane magician.
But as they struggle for results, their superiors at HQ must face the greatest threat the Ministry has ever known: the forces of political correctness....
Differently Morphous is the latest and greatest tale to emerge from the mind of writer (and narrator) Yahtzee Croshaw.
©2018 Yahtzee Croshaw (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author2020)

Hood: an Outlaws novella
by M.C. Frank
I like fairy tale retellings and asked to review this when I saw it. I agreed to do the read and review within two weeks and them maybe get another book in the series.
Source: Author pdf March 2020.
Meet Robin Hood's band of outlaws. Their story starts with Christmas, a lost love, a hungry town and a robbery.
In this Outlaws novella, Robin Loxley is a tortured young man mourning the loss of his title, his lands and his first love. Tonight, with the help of his close friends, he will get a new name that will live in history, a cat that could care less that Robin happens to be the most brilliant archer in medieval England, and a chance to prove himself by rescuing a lady from a fire.
But this is no ordinary lady...
And that is no ordinary fire...
HOOD is a prequel novella to the beloved bestselling Outlaws series by M.C. Frank.

4. Audible/Smartphone (A2020)

Configured
The Configured Trilogy, Book 1
By: Jenetta L. Penner
Narrated by: Lillie Ricciardi
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 11-03-17
I have the third book from the author so I thought I should start with book one.
3/28/2020 Audible One March Credit.
Publisher's Summary
There will come a day when love will mark you as a traitor. In a society where emotions are nothing and function is everything, Avlyn Lark is just trying to blend in. She's lucky to be alive, unlike her twin brother Ben who died when they were four. And she's lucky to have been taken from her biological parents and assigned to a Level Two family. But mastering her emotions? That's a problem, especially when a rebel bomb blows up a building right in front of her. Then on Configuration Day, Avlyn's official transition to adulthood, she starts seeing strange visions. And instead of being placed with a low-level tech company where she could hide away, she's hired by Genesis Technologies, the government firm that monitors every citizen. Now, instead of blending in, Avlyn fears she'll be exposed for what she really is. If Gen Tech finds out how deeply she feels, it will ruin her life. And if they find out about her secret meetings with a mysterious but handsome member of the rebel forces, her life will be more than ruined. It will be over.
©2016. 2017 Jenetta Penner (P)2017 Jenetta Penner

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. 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

March 29, 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 day 32 of the 41 day Lent study: Lent: With One Voice.

I completed four books and posted three reviews which keeps me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf remains at 14, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I still have one carry over author ebook, one new audio author title, and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon.
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 review title this week.
I picked up six audiobooks. One prequel, one Audible credit, two for one Audiobooks.com deal and two free books.

I added 6 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

Received from Author M.C. Frank:

Hood: an Outlaws novella
by M.C. Frank
See more under Current Reading.

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/28/2020 Audible Purchase $1.99.
Tin Man: A Galaxy's Edge Prequel
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 52 mins
Release date: 01-28-20
I picked this up to start the series as I have the first full book.

3/28/2020 Audible One March Credit
Configured
The Configured Trilogy, Book 1
By: Jenetta L. Penner
Narrated by: Lillie Ricciardi
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
Release date: 11-03-17
I have the third book from the author so I thought I should start with book one.

3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit
Infinity Blade: Awakening
By Brandon Sanderson
Narrated By: Samuel Roukin
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 4 h 41 min
This is an author my son really likes too.

The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 11 h 1 min
I almost missed this but this sounds fun.

Free

3/28/2020 2nd Free Audible Original
The Science of Sci-Fi
From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel
By: Erin Macdonald, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Erin Macdonald
Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 11-19-19

3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com VIP I had a hard time picking from the selection. I finally chose this book which has been on my wishlist.
Age of Myth
By Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated By: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 16 h 57 min


I added 6 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.