Audible Book Review: Tin Man: A Galaxy's Edge Prequel by Jason Anspac and Nick Cole

Oh, I liked this! Now I want to listen to the first full book.

Tin Man: A Galaxy's Edge Prequel
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: Galaxy's Edge Series, Book 0.5
Length: 52 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-28-20
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military Space, Science Fiction, Short Stories
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
The heart of a hero.
In the wilds of a jungle planet, the Legion fights in brutal combat as Republic marines fly their SLICS from one tragedy to the next.
H292, a repurposed warbot, shows the heart of a hero as he wades into the battle not to destroy - but to save.
©2018 Jason Anspach and Nick Cole (P)2020 Podium Publishing

Review:
The Legion is under siege and getting their backsides kicked (and worse) in fierce combat trying to hold their territory against s vicious alien in the wild jungles of a distant planet. The Republic marine pilots are on constant mission to try to retrieve the troops, mostly injured or decimated. After the loss of another human co-pilot, experienced medical pilot, Captain Reese, is assigned an ancient warbot named H292. Reese is a Marine who cares for his men and struggles to save those who survive the nighttime fighting. When he relaxes, Reese listens to ancient music from the 1990s. Folk rock songs like “A Horse with No Name” and “Tin Man” by America.

Reese doesn’t expect much from a robotic warbot. H292 hopes to be of service even as Reese dubs him “Tin Man”. Tin Man apparently watches his Captain and learns how a true Marine serves in the field.

This novella is an introduction to the struggles of the elite Legionnaire troops and a view of a heroic warbot. It tells a complete story within itself, even if it is short and just a taste of the series. I liked Reese as a leader but also adored Tin Man and his actions. I won’t say this is ‘fun’ as that seems a bit crass considering the wartime deaths and maiming. I am sure the references to the America songs added to my enjoyment. However, I totally enjoyed this and will soon be listening to book 1. This is a quick, engaging listen.

Audio Notes: I love listening to books narrated by R.C. Bray. In my opinion, his narration adds to the story. His voice contributes to the characters and action for me. I recommend this quick, inexpensive Audible.

Source: 3/28/2020 Audible Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for my 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: I Hear You by Michael S. Sorensen

This is a book that could help anyone/everyone!
I Hear You
The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
By: Michael S. Sorensen
Narrated by: Michael S. Sorensen

Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-17
Language: English
Publisher: Autumn Creek Press
Genre: Business Management, Non Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
What if making one tweak to your day-to-day conversations could immediately improve every relationship in your life?
In this three-hour, conversational listen, you'll discover the whats, whys, and hows of one of the most valuable (yet surprisingly little-known) communication skills - validation.
Whether you're looking to improve your relationship with your spouse, navigate difficult conversations at work, or connect on a deeper level with friends and family, this book delivers simple, practical, proven techniques for improving any relationship in your life.
Mastery of this simple skill will enable you to:

• Calm (and sometimes even eliminate) the concerns, fears, and uncertainties of others
• Increase feelings of love, respect, and appreciation in your romantic relationships
• Quickly resolve, or even prevent, arguments
• Help others become open to your point of view
• Give advice and feedback that sticks
• Provide support and encouragement to others, even when you don't know how to "fix" the problem
• And much more

In short: this skill is powerful. Give the principles and practices in this book a chance and you'll be amazed at the difference they can make.
©2017 Michael S. Sorensen (P)2017 Michael S. Sorensen

Review:
This important communication skill is discussed, with examples, in an easy, encouraging way. I like how the author stresses listening with a goal of keeping things calm and avoiding arguments and hurt. I try to be a good listener, but Sorenson impresses how to go a step further emphasizing understanding what is being said and giving validation to the feelings of the speaker, whether or not you agree. People don’t always want someone to jump in to fix their problem. First, they want to be heard and have their feelings recognized.

I was reminded of a Transactional Analysis class I took back in my 20s. Just as I learned important life skills then, this audiobook now helped me be mindful of another practical life skill. I am so glad I picked this up as a Daily Deal. I highly recommend this quick book to anyone who wants better relationships in their life.

Audio Notes: The author does a fine job narrating his own work. He is clearly familiar with the material and able to provide the examples with appropriate inflections. This is a worthwhile listen.

Source: 9/16/19 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post May 3, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 4, 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 to be thankful for work. I will be busy this month as I have a trial coming up the week of the 18th. I am a stickler for preparation.

My hubby usually gives the first pink rose to our prior pastor's wife since the rose bush came from the church. This year he had to send her a picture. Here are pictures I took.

We had one bad storm again this week. Otherwise our weather was good. I hope  everyone continues to stay safe in these uncertain times.

I enjoyed my week of listening and reading. I did a little better this week although two were short. I finished three audiobooks and one children's ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I was back to only 16 blog visits this week.
Shout Out this week to Novels and Notions. The about page starts with: "We are Rae and Jen, the co-blogging team of Novels and Notions! We met on Twitter in 2018 and became fast friends. We decided to combine our blogging endeavor into one gorgeous blog, and we are so happy to be working together to bring you book reviews, book lists and more!"

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 26, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 27, 2020.

• A2020- Audible Book Review: Into the End by Bonnie R. Paulson; Genre: EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 3.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 1, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/7/2020.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The New Husband by D.J. Palmer; Genre: ADomestic Thriller, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #394 Comment Giveaway May 2, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/16/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 3, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2020)

I Hear You
The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
By: Michael S. Sorensen
Narrated by: Michael S. Sorensen
Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 08-16-17
This is a book that could help anyone/everyone!
Source: 9/16/19 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2020)

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
Oh - I liked this and now I want to read listen to the first full book.
Source: 3/28/2020 Audible Purchase $1.99.
Publisher's Summary
The heart of a hero.
In the wilds of a jungle planet, the Legion fights in brutal combat as Republic marines fly their SLICS from one tragedy to the next.
H292, a repurposed warbot, shows the heart of a hero as he wades into the battle not to destroy - but to save.
©2018 Jason Anspach and Nick Cole (P)2020 Podium Publishing

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Leo's Monster (Releasing May 5, 2020)
by Marcus Pfister
This is fun for children.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (A2020)

Through the Flames
Into the End, Book 2
By: Bonnie R. Paulson
Narrated by: James Miller
Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 10-23-13
Hard to tell who are the good guys.
Source: I received four Audiobook Author Codes on 4/10/2020. Thank you, Bonnie Paulson!
Publisher's Summary
Allies = All Lies.
America is burning. The unknown blinds the citizens from fighting.
Dr. Rachel Parker's worst psychological designs are loosed on America by an unknown enemy. She leaves the safety of the mountains for the destruction of town to face her co-designer, Daniel, whose role is blurred by the smoke of deception.
Captured by militia, Rachel has to find the answers she's seeking. She's not prepared to look within her own damaged mind for the solutions. Rachel's frame of sanity and emotional stability lay on the line parallel to the country's circumstances.
Brenda Krous, Rachel's sister, possesses information that could change the face of the war. Sacrifices to get there become more and more personal until the 'Brenda' she was and the 'Brenda' she is becoming hit a crossroads. If she finds the compassion to help her sister, her patriotism to the nation might be sacrificed.
©2012 Bonnie R. Paulson (P)2013 Bonnie R. Paulson

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The K Team
by David Rosenfelt
60% in. I am enjoying the usual Rosenfelt humor and mystery.
Released March 24, 2020.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2020)

Out of the Ashes
Into the End, Book 3
By: Bonnie R. Paulson
Narrated by: David Gilmore
Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
I am interested to see how this series resolves.
Source: I received four Audiobook Author Codes on 4/10/2020. Thank you, Bonnie Paulson!
Publisher's Summary
America can rise, but the cost is high.
Traumatized by previous exposure to her own tests, Dr. Rachel Parker has to complete the methodical steps she swore would never see the light of day...on herself. Her sister, Brenda Krous, may be the only one capable of pulling her through intact.
If they can accomplish the feat and find resolution together, the answers they discover can help the rest of America rise up and reclaim itself from the protection of destruction.
But a nation's fall has a time frame and pride can get in the way. Rachel and Brenda must find what they need in each other to conquer the fear in others.
©2012 - present Bonnie R Paulson (P)2014 Bonnie R Paulson

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

Quack
by Anna Humphrey (Releasing 01 Apr 2020)
I thought I'd try a light MG book this week.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
"...Shady, Pouya, and their diaper-wearing duck are working to help all of the underdogs (or is it underducks?) at their school--and there are many."
Ten-year-old Shady Cook struggles with selective mutism caused by anxiety. His best friend, Pouya, gets it—despite being the class clown, he has his own hang-ups lurking just below the surface. Shady's parents, however, are eager to find a way to help their son start talking more, so when a live duck waddles into their lives and Shady starts to respond, they reluctantly decide to give Svenrietta the emotional support duck a chance. Before long, Shady, Pouya, and their diaper-wearing duck are working to help all of the underdogs (or is it underducks?) at their school—and there are many.

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

May 3, 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 currently doing a three-day study: The Power of Surrender.

I completed four books and posted two reviews which keeps me on track.
My NetGalley shelf is now 9, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have one audiobook from an author and now I have 1 other new audiobook left of four too (third done this week).
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 didn't pick up any review titles again this week. I had some studying going on at night and didn't get to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up one Audible Daily Deal and one Chrip title.  The low prices are just so tempting!
I added NO, ZIP, ZILCH 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/2/2020 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Spider's Web
Glenmore Park Mystery Series, Book 1
By: Mike Omer
Narrated by: Eric Martin
Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 11-15-16

5/3/2020 Chirp $4.99 - After two days looking at this one my resistance broke.
The Accidental Guardian
Written by Mary Connealy
Narrated by Morgan Hallett
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Recorded Books
Run time: 8 hours and 17 minutes

Free

I downloaded the Sora App by Overdrive so I could Borrow the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 1. I hope having them available through the phone will make it easier for me to listen to these. 
THE 57 BUS by Dashka Slater, narrated by Robin Miles (Recorded Books)
MONDAY'S NOT COMING by Tiffany D. Jackson, narrated by Imani Parks (HarperAudio)

I added NO, ZIP, ZILCH free Kindle titles to my Kindle library this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 3, 2020

Good Morning and Happy May!
We met online again with worship, prayer, and sermon. Pastor continued the Viral series.
He reminded us that the Church is the body of Christ with a specific purpose. The church is a movement to go forward to break down the gates of hell.  He asked: Is the church separate from the world while living in it or is the church becoming too much a part of the world? What was the tone set by the early church?

We look at the history in the book of Acts. The church grew even when under persecution. The church was/is not just an idea nor just a philosophy. It was and is a personal experience. The disciples went out sharing and birthing new disciples. When the church met resistance, the church grew. The last days began when Jesus died. Now, in the very last days, we must boldly share the gospel. We must remember why we are here.

Acts 4:1-12 describes how Peter and John were arrested for telling the story of the healing of the paralyzed man. Peter proclaimed that the man was healed by the powerful name of Jesus. The evidence of the healed man was in front of them. How could it be denied?

After being released Peter and John prepared to go out again. They didn’t pray for safety or an easy road. They prayed for boldness to continue to speak out and share the message of Jesus. Acts 4:29-31.

Stephen proclaimed the message of God before and while being stoned. He spoke boldly with the strength of his beliefs. Acts 7. Those who witnessed the stoning were scattered and “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4. The message spread even after hardship and tragedy.

We must share the good news. We need to be challenged by the early church.

The Point: In these days, like the early church, we must share the gospel with boldness.

The Gospel is a message of life and death.
How can people face the end without the hope of Jesus?
People can't wait. They must know the message. The Church must go out. The mission is still the same: take the message of the good news (salvation) to all people.

This song gives a message of hope even in difficult times.

Verses for Today:
Acts 4:29-31 (NIV)
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.


Lord, I am always thankful that I know that You are in control. I praise the God of the Universe, Christ who gave me salvation and the Holy Spirit who is available to guide me each day.

Sharing Beyond Books #394 Comment Giveaway May 2, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I hope you are continuing to stay safe.

Sorry, I misstated the question last week since Natalija was talking about favorite "titles of books" not favorite books. We had a mix of answers some to each question. Take a look back to check out some favorite books and favorite titles.

The Winner from SBB #393 comments is #5 BN100 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 #394

(One Question.)

Becky asks: What books do you regret reading??

I can't really think of a book I regret reading. I have rated a couple books in the 2s but I can't say I regret reading them. I have finally allowed myself to DNF some titles but I don't think that means I regret trying them.

I couldn't resist this image!
Image found at T-Shirt Hell.

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 them.

Your turn to share. Becky asks: What books do you regret reading??

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, May 16, 2020, at 5 PM central.